Marriott International Breaks Ground on $10M Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Vernon, BC
Second Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Western Canada to be built in the North Okanagan
Posted September 15, 2011
TORONTO – September 13, 2011 – Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) and The Hollypark Organization are pleased to announce that construction has begun on a new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. This will be Marriott’s second Fairfield Inn & Suites in the Okanagan, joining the existing property in Kelowna, BC; another Fairfield Inn & Suites is currently under development in Kamloops, BC. There are currently eleven Fairfield Inn & Suites open in Canada, with another half dozen scheduled to open in 2012.
To be located in the Anderson Way retail district just north of the new Lake City Casino, the four-storey 98-room hotel will be a major addition to the North Okanagan hospitality sector. The hotel will cater to both business and leisure travelers, and will feature modern guest rooms complemented by a number of larger suites. The hotel will feature an indoor pool, waterslide, whirlpool, fitness room, patio, business centre, and meeting rooms which will accommodate small groups.
“I am extremely pleased to see Marriott growing its presence in the Okanagan,” states Wayne Lippert, Mayor of the City of Vernon. “I am confident that this development will help service the increased demands in our accommodation sector due to the continued growth of our tourism industry, along with increased business travel within the region. Marriott and its owners and franchise partners are well-known for their community involvement and I am thrilled to welcome them to the community.”
A groundbreaking ceremony for the $10M project was held on August 29, 2011, with the official opening slated for the fall of 2012. The hotel which is designed by Kelowna-based architect Garry Tomporowksi will be constructed and owned by The Hollypark Organization, and operated under a franchise agreement with Marriott International.
“Our new décor elevates the Fairfield Inn brand, setting a new standard in the moderate tier. This property will be a great example of the Brand’s contemporary new look and feel,” said Manlio Marescotti, Vice President, Lodging Development at Marriott Hotels & Resorts Canada. “We are delighted to be working with The Hollypark Organization on this important project.”
The project is anticipated to generate up to 75 construction jobs, and upon completion, contribute up to 25 full-time jobs to the local economy. The project team has committed to awarding at least 85% of all construction and supplier contracts to Okanagan-based firms which is expected to provide a significant boost to the local construction industry.
Contact:
Kevin Poole, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism
City of Vernon
3400-30th St
Vernon, BC V1T 5E6
Direct: 250-550-3249
Fax: 250-550-3548
kpoole@vernon.ca