A new development is underway to help bring Golden’s standard of hotel accommodation up to the likes of Canmore and Revelstoke.
Adding to the repertoire, local developer Paul Deutsch has big plans to add a Marriott hotel, a gas station, and commercial units on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Golden Mountain Rim Hospitality has plans to develop the 6.5-acre parcel of land at the Golden Donald Upper Road and Lafontaine Road roundabout, across from the former visitor centre and beside the Indian Kitchen restaurant.
The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott will be similar to the one Deutsch has a hand in building in Revelstoke, and will be host to 87 units, with a pool and waterslide. The development in Revelstoke is six storeys high.
“We’re hoping to be able to do some groundwork this fall, and start construction this spring,” Deutsch said. “It will mirror the one we’re doing in Revelstoke.”
The Town of Golden will need to review the plans, variances, and some rezoning may be necessary, but Deutsch said the plans have been well received by the Town of Golden planner.
Deutsch has owned a number of restaurants in Golden, including the Copper Horse Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the Rockwater Bar and Grill.
Now, he works with partners to develop the hotels in Revelstoke and Golden. Collaborating with Golden Mountain Rim Holdings, BCP Construction from Three Hills, Alta., and Eagle Builders from Red Deer, Alta., the companies are working to construct the new hotels.
BCP Construction is the developing partner and builder. Eagle Builders constructs precast concrete, which minimizes building time.
“We have a very good team,” Deutsch said.
Building the hotels in Revelstoke and Golden fits in with growing tourism numbers in the community.
“There’s some demand in Golden. There has been a lot of tourism increase in the last couple years,” Deutsch said. “I think it’s very exciting for us to bring this development to Golden. It’s going to really allow us to give a Canmore-esque feel as people will come out of the canyon.”
More information about the future hotel and commercial development will become available as Deutsch finalizes the plans and begins working on the land.
