Sub-trades, architect, owners discover great working environment as they complete new “premium affordable” hotel
Northern Ontario Construction News special feature
Timmins will soon have a “premium affordable” Micotel Inn Hotel – one of the first of its kind in Canada. The 92-room hotel, fulfilling the U.S-based Wyndham Group’s branding requirements, will offer a service desperately needed in the area, says Parallel Architecture Inc. architect Stephen Mak.
“Northern hotels are scarce and often don’t offer the amenities people are looking for,” he said. “Microtel is designed for a wide range of clients including contractors, business travellers, families and sports teams, and will offer everything they are looking for at affordable prices.”
Amenities include a full-sized swimming pool, team rooms with exterior access for storing equipment, fresh, modern bathrooms and bedrooms optimized for efficient space use.
Local investors, headed by Luc Sergerie and Gilbert Mondoux, initiated the project, which has been constructed by local trades. “Microtel is branded in the U.S., but this hotel will be owned and operated by people who are from right here in the community,” says Sergerie.
Though an international brand, Sergerie says the Canadian version will vary somewhat from what travellers would find in the States.
“Stephen (Mak) has done a great job at making the Canadian design just a little bit different and a little bit nicer,” Sergerie said. “We’ll use nicer exterior finishing. The rooms will be more modern and aesthetically pleasing with a bit of a European flair. The lobby will be very grand and welcoming. It will be the same consistent service and experience people will expect from the name but with a better look.”
Sergerie said both the investors and design team understand what travellers need from a hotel and have focused their attention on the essentials. “When you travel, what do you need?: A nice, clean washroom that is elegant and looks great and a really comfortable nights’ sleep. “The beds and bedding here will be what you would find in a five-star hotel and the rooms designed to allow for maximum space.”
Mak says early site studies identified challenging soil conditions, but these didn’t deter the project. “The foresight in planning and co-operation of the local trades made this a productive and positive process. It’s terrific to see a high quality project completed on time and within budget.”
Marc Poirier, president of All North Electric, said his business supplied all the electrical work. “Installing the main service could have been more of a challenge than it was, working around the other trades and co-ordinating with Hydro One,”he said. “We’ve been ahead of schedule though from the start thanks to the planning and communication involved in the project.” The local contractor has been in business since 2007.
Poirier says Microtel has been a fabulous experience and his company will stay connected with the project to provide maintenance and service once construction is complete. “All of the business owners have been subs at one time or another so they understand the importance of cash flow to pay suppliers and workers. There is a respect for the trades on this project that you don’t see on every job which makes it a pleasure for everyone involved.”
