Hotelier found?

The list of potential major hotel chains that could build a 170-room waterfront hotel has been narrowed to one.  

But city officials aren't ready to reveal the name of the hotelier, saying it could jeopardize the deal.

“We are expecting a hotel announcement in the new year,” Waterfront Construction supervisor Gary Wood said Thursday morning during a media tour of the construction site. “We’re expecting to get work started (on the hotel) early in the summer.”
 
Wood said until that announcement is made, he was unable to give any more details about that portion of the waterfront development project.

Wood did say that overall work at Prince Arthur’s Landing is on schedule and some areas are now starting to resemble the product that, until now, has only been shown as sketches and conceptual images.

“It’s getting very exciting now,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of work in ground and that’s not exciting – it’s a lot of pipe, rock and gravel – but now we’re actually coming out of the ground and thigns are starting to take shape.
 
“Every day it changes, so it is very exciting to be here.”  

Contractors for The Water Garden Pavilion are working to enclose the building. Next, the space will be heated so that concrete and masonry work get underway in the new year. The Foundation for the skating rink and splash pad is also now in place.

Tenders for a centre island art installation have also recently gone out.

As for the development of the hotel and condominium projects – the most contentious portions of the construction for most waterfront development critics – Wood says soil remediation continues as part of the development agreement.

Docking facilities were all completed in 2010 and now electrical work on Pier Two is almost complete, he added.

As for the much discussed hotel and condominium development, Wood says soil remediation continues as part of the development agreement. 

Docking facilities were all completed in 2010 and now electrical work one pier two is almost complete.

The historic baggage building is now witnessing its addition, while work on the exterior structure is also underway. The roof replacement, electrical and plumbing have also been started. 

The gathering circle and spirit gardens are slowing coming to life. When complete they will include a ceremonial firepit, community gardens and trail system upgrades.

Most of the park will be reopened to the public in late 2011.