THUNDER BAY — There's no shortage of confidence in Thunder Bay's ability to sustain new hotels and motels.
Travellers to the city will get another option for accommodation if they're looking for a long-term stay near the airport.
Equipment is on site to prepare the ground for the construction of a six-storey, 90-room Home2 Suites by Hilton.
It will be built on Arthur Street West near Highway 61 by Mario Filgliomeni, who also owns the adjacent Hampton Inn & Suites.
Both Home2 Suites and Hampton fall under the Hilton brand.
Figliomeni was not available Wednesday for comment, but in an interview last year he said "There's no long-term stay facility at the airport, and there's a demand for it. Hilton came to us and said we feel we should fill this demand."
At the time, he estimated the cost at $15 million.
The hotel will feature suites with kitchenettes and other amenities suitable for extended stays.
City council approved a number of zoning changes to allow a development with greater density and reduced parking, in order to meet Ministry of Transportation standards for setback from the Highway 61/Arthur Street intersection.
One of the conditions of approval was that an overflow parking lot be developed nearby at the site of a former gas bar.
A spokesperson for the city said Wednesday that a building permit application has been submitted for the project.
Other developers also have plans for at least two new motel projects in Thunder Bay, a Motel 6 on Arthur Street and a Quality Inn & Suites project on Oliver Road, but both developments have been delayed.
NOTE: A previous version of this story stated that pilings are being driven into the ground for the hotel project. Equipment is on site but pilings are not being driven yet.
