They’re known for pleasing people the world over, and now St. Thomas is going to play host to the nation’s innkeeper. Construction of a $16 million, 95-room Holiday Inn Express and Suites at the west end of the Elgin Centre is set to begin with a grand opening next October. Reconfiguration work is already underway in that area, explains the Elgin Centre’s Jay Burstein.
The hotel will feature 25 suites, swimming pool, hot tub, fitness facility and business centre, and provide a boost not only for the shopping centre but for St. Thomas and surrounding area.
Sean Dyke, CEO of the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation notes the synergies between hotels and shopping centres are well documented. Burstein concurs.
Now when St. Thomas lands a top-flight sports tournament or visitors converge for a business or arts and culture function, they won’t necessarily have to seek hotel accommodation elsewhere. They will have to look no further than the Elgin Centre, with shops, services and, of course, the Galaxy Cinemas, points out Burstein. With more to come.
With the Elgin Centre striving to be a focal point for shopping and community activities, St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston notes, “it’s another step toward being an even more attractive destination in southwestern Ontario.”
