Waterfront visit

Three unnamed hoteliers this week made the first of their due diligence visits to Thunder Bay after being shortlisted to operate the hotel portion of the $66-million private development component at Prince Arthur’s Landing.

Katherine Dugmore, the city’s project manager overseeing the waterfront development plans, said representatives from all three hotel companies expressed interest in taking on the 120-room boutique facility, construction on which is expected to begin in 2011.

"They were collecting hotel data, looking at the site, looking at the community, meeting with the Community Economic Development Commission, meeting with the city," Dugmore said.

"They’re always interested in knowing how easy administration is going to be to work with, because some cities can be difficult to work with."

Dugmore said the city provided company representatives with plenty of data on Thunder Bay, including present and future initiatives they’re undertaking, projects they’re working on and demographic data.

"They will use that to do a business case analysis. Laureated Developments would then have the opportunity to review their submissions and their proposals and select a final proponent," Dugmore said.

While no agreements are set in stone, and any or all of the instantly recognizable hotels chains could walk away with no further commitment, Dugmore said it’s unlikely at this stage of the game.

"Really what you’re getting are folks who know this business really well and they’ve been provided with sufficient information to justify their interest to this point," Dugmore said. "So they will have to sort out whether or not to (proceed). Certainly at this point some may choose not to, but when you get down to a short list, typically one would expect that all three would submit proposals."

Gisele MacDonald, spokesperson for the developer, Resolve Group, said they will release their plans as soon as the final design is approved by council.

She said she sees nothing to indicate anything other than full speed ahead on the project

"I am very pleased with how the meetings have gone. We are moving forward and are extremely excited for the completion of the designs based on the City of Thunder Bay’s guidelines," MacDonald said in a release issued Wednesday by the city.

The news stems from meetings held this week between the city and the developer, including discussions about the final design of the seven-storey condominiums and the hotel.

A report detailing the plans and the selected hotel partner is expected to be delivered to council later this summer.

Condo pre-sales will start this fall, with construction slated for 2011. The underground parking garage will be the first step.