"The Delta Thunder Bay Hotel and Conference Centre will be constructed on Prince Arthur's Landing as part of Thunder Bay's world class waterfront redevelopment. The hotel will become the city's first 4-star upscale, full service hotel after a more than $20 million investment. — Photo by CNW Group/Delta Hotels

Delta Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce its expansion intoNorthwestern Ontariowith a new hotel that will be constructed onPrince Arthur'sLanding as part ofThunder Bay'sworld class waterfront redevelopment. The hotel is expected to create approximately 110 jobs, and is part of a private sector investment which also consists of two condominiums, and a commercial building for shops and restaurants which will see this portion of the waterfront transformed into a vibrant, mixed use space that is active year-round and attractive for all ages.

Located in the heart of the city's downtown core on a prime waterfront location and adjacent to the two Vue condominium towers, the Delta Thunder Bay Hotel and Conference Centre will become the city's first 4-star upscale, full service hotel after a more than $20 millioninvestment. Slated to open in early 2014, the hotel will offer 150 guestrooms and suites including 18 penthouse rooms and 10 rooms with terraces. The hotel will feature Delta's new ModeRoom™ guestrooms which are modern, adaptable and laden with technology features. The majority of the rooms will provide spectacular, unobstructed views ofLake Superior and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

"We are thrilled to be a part ofThunder Bay'svibrant waterfront redevelopment," saysKen Greene, President & CEO, Delta Hotels and Resorts. "Thunder Bayis a thriving community with natural resources that attract tourists from acrossCanadaand around the world. It is an honour for us to bring our 4-star hotel experience to one of the best locations in the city, and help play a critical role in driving tourism to the region."

The hotel will also boast 9,000 square feet of conference and meeting space including a 5,300 square foot ballroom offering garden and waterfront views, a full service restaurant and lounge with an outside terrace overlookingLake Superior, a business centre, indoor pool and state of the art fitness centre.

The Delta Thunder Bay will be managed and operated by Delta Hotels and Resorts, and is owned by The Re Solve Group, one of the leading residential and commercial developers inManitobaandOntario. Construction is being handled by local based Manshield Construction, and the project was designed by award-winning architecture and planning firm Brook McIlroy based inTorontoandThunder Bay.

"Delta is well known for its high level of service excellence and exceptional reputation among travelers," saidGisele MacDonald, President, Re Solve Group Inc. "We chose Delta because of its strong track record in contributing to the growth of the tourism industry in secondary and tertiary markets inCanada. We're excited to bring this property to market with them."

With its prime location onPrince Arthur'sLanding in the heart of downtown and the vibrant waterfront redevelopment, the Delta Thunder Bay will offer guests easy access to year-round attractions and outdoor experiences in a spectacular mixed-use village including an arts centre, water garden pavilion, skating rink, splash pad, skate board park, public paths and trails, spirit garden, public art, and restaurants and cafes. The hotel is also situated within close proximity to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, the world's largest fresh water conservation reserve, and Crown Land which is a resource for snowmobiling, hunting, hiking, camping, wild life viewing, and the likes.

"Delta and The Re Solve Group are committed to the growth of tourism in our city, and building onThunder Bay'sreputation among travelers as Superior by Nature," said MayorKeith Hobbs,City of Thunder Bay. "The addition of the Delta brand complements improvements made to the waterfront development and adds to the city's visitor experience."

The Delta Thunder Bay will be the second hotel for Delta in Northern Ontario, and the chain's 12th property inOntario. This continues Delta's strong pattern of growth across the country with five new properties announced since 2010. Delta Hotels and Resorts currently has 43 properties acrossCanada.

About Delta Hotels and Resorts

A leading Canadian hotel management company, Delta Hotels and Resorts operates and franchises a diversified portfolio with 43 full-service, city centre and airport hotels and resorts under the Delta brand. Widely regarded as Canada's "brand of choice" by guests and owners, Delta also distinguishes itself as an exemplary employer. It is the only hotel company to have been recognized for its sustained focus on business excellence by the prestigious Excellence Canada with three Canada Awards for Excellence, including the award program's highest honour, the Order of Excellence (2007). The hospitality company has also consistently ranked as one of the country's 50 Best Employers for 12 years, and has been named to the Green 30 since 2010. As well, its national sustainability program, Delta Greens is the most comprehensive and ambitious in the hospitality industry touching on every aspect of the hotel business. Delta's Corporate Social Responsibility platform, Delta Helps, includes a chain-wide commitment to the communities it serves through a national partnership with Habitat for Humanity Canada, participation in the Hotel Association of Canada's Green Key Eco-Rating program, and work with various other charitable groups. Delta Hotels and Resorts is privately owned by the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation. For more information, please visit www.deltahotels.com