Arrival of hotel in Neepawa could mean much more to the community than just new local jobs

Continued from Page 1

“It’s been a six year journey, and there has been an awful lot that’s happened in those six years,” said Parrott. ‘But, we’re very happy to have reached this moment.”

As for partnering with a brand such as Best Western Plus, Parrott said it was very important for the investors to collaborate with a well regarded and respected business. Fellow investor Marvin Beaumont elaborated on Parrott’s point.

“There were several hotel chains that identified Neepawa as being the next logical market to establish themselves in, within Manitoba. So, when [the local group of investors] started looking for who we should go with, the more we researched, the more it seemed Best Western Plus was, clearly, the right choice,”

A valuable market

On the other side of the partnership is BWH Hotels, the global parent company of Best Western Plus. Gilles Landry, owner and operator of a Best Western Plus in Winnipeg, has aided the local investors group through the entire process. He was on hand for the official groundbreaking ceremony and spoke with the Banner & Press after the festivities concluded. He said they are impressed with the local investors and see great potential in Neepawa.

“With this new location, we will now have ten [Best Western Plus] in Manitoba. A decade ago, it was only two. We’ve been careful with our placements, partnering with investors and communities that we felt had potential, and Neepawa is very much like that. A growing community and a great location. I think this will be very good for the town, and everyone involved,” noted Landry.

Creating economic opportunities

The establishment of a new hotel in Neepawa also means more than just a few new local jobs and a comfortable stop for weary travellers. It will also puts the community into consideration for a variety of events and other business ventures.

While he was unable to offer any specifics, Parrott noted there has been inquires already from a few interested parties.

“Since the sign has gone up, our Economic Development Officer [Marilyn Crewe], has received a lot of inquires from outside our Neepawa catchment area. So, we do have people looking closely at Neepawa now. [As well], we’ve already had people wanting to build next to us, so we’re being cautious on how we’re doing things, but it’s definitely great for the town,” stated Parrott. “You know, I was asked by one group, who are planning an event for March of 2024. We told them ‘Well, we’re not going to open until around September [2024]’. So, they came back and indicated ‘Okay, we’ll plan for March of 2025, for now’. So, an opportunity like this is all about accommodation and availability. That’s the one thing Neepawa has really needed, is access to accommodation.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the hotel is looking at a September 2024 completion. Between 12 and 14 staff positions are expected to be created from the hotel.

PHONE: 476-5919