Intelligence
Canada hotels record first occupancy decline in three months
After three consecutive months of year-over-year increases, Canada’s hotel industry recorded a decline in occupancy, according to CoStar’s July 2024 data.
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Hyatt Place Whitehorse takes shape, framing complete for first Hyatt‑branded hotel in Yukon
Northern Vision Development Limited Partnership (NVD), the developer behind Hyatt Place Whitehorse, has announced the completion of the framing for the new five-storey hotel. With this significant milestone achieved, construction has now moved on to siteworks, exterior envelope, and interior work phases.
Scheduled to open in the summer of 2025, the hotel’s construction began in July 2023. Since then, approximately 40 to 50 tradespersons have been working on-site, contributing 300,000 hours of labour. More than 20 local businesses have been involved, providing services and supplies through the project’s general contractor, Ketza Construction.
Hyatt Place Whitehorse will be the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Canada’s Yukon Territory, showcasing the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, inspired by Yukon’s natural landscape and rich culture. Both the interior and exterior design of the hotel draws heavily from local First Nation culture, reflecting both the history of the territory and the fact that NVD is majority First Nation-owned. Guests will benefit from 24/7 conveniences that seamlessly transition from work to relaxation, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings.
Upon its opening, the hotel will join Hyatt’s global portfolio and participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program.
The Hyatt Place Whitehorse, situated on Main Street in the heart of downtown Whitehorse, will be just steps away from shops, offices, restaurants, coffee shops, tourist attractions, and the Yukon River waterfront, making it an ideal location for both leisure and business travellers.
“Over the years, NVD has invested significantly in hotel renovations and upgrades, but this Hyatt Place hotel is NVD’s first wholly new hotel development in its 20-year history. Seeing it come to life in downtown Whitehorse is a remarkable experience,” says Michael Hale, chief executive officer of Northern Vision Development. “We wish to acknowledge the commitment of the Hyatt team as well as Ketza Construction and the many local businesses, tradespersons and suppliers involved in the project. Hyatt Place Whitehorse will be a key venue to support tourism growth in the territory, and we eagerly look forward to opening our doors and welcoming guests next year.”
Hyatt’s leadership echoed the excitement about this new venture. “We are energized to be part of this market-changing project in Whitehorse and we look forward to this opportunity to bring World of Hyatt to Canada’s North,” says Scott Richer, vice president of development and owner relations for Canada, Hyatt. “We remain committed to growing Hyatt’s brand footprint throughout Canada with meaning and intent. Hyatt Place Whitehorse is a testament to such approach. The Yukon is a vibrant and growing destination with national and international appeal. We cannot wait to be a proud and contributing member of this community.”
The new Hyatt Place Whitehorse will feature 115 spacious guestrooms designed with separate spaces for sleeping, working, and relaxing. The hotel will also offer five hospitality and social spaces, including an outdoor patio for receptions, as well as a lobby lounge and a complimentary breakfast bar with specialty and premium food and beverage offerings.
As construction progresses, anticipation continues to build for this new addition to Whitehorse, which aims to provide both residents and visitors with a unique, culturally infused accommodation experience.
