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Two bid to revive Inn
Spa operator, hotel firm vie to renew Guild Inn
Paul Moloney, CITY HALL BUREAU
The City of Toronto, which owns the 36-hectare waterfront site, is encouraged by the interest in the city's vision of turning the 96-room property into a small conference-style inn or spa hotel, said Councillor David Soknacki, who represents the area.
The bidders, announced yesterday, are:
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Toronto-based AFM Hospitality Corp., a hotel management and franchising company whose properties include Ramada, Howard Johnson, Park Plaza and Aston hotels.
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Haldimand Hills Spa Village, which operates Ste. Anne's Country Inn and Spa in Grafton and Hillcrest Victorian Inn and Spa in Port Hope.
The city is looking at a multi-million-dollar makeover that would include tearing down dated alterations and razing a 1965-vintage mid-rise hotel while preserving the original Bickford residence, built in 1914.
The city would lease the land to the winning bidder and retain control over the grounds, which are dotted with architectural artefacts from long-demolished Toronto buildings.
Soknacki said the city, which was forced to close the money-losing hotel this year, wants a strong operator that can ensure the project succeeds.
"We hope they have the wherewithal to invest into the property," he said. "Let's just say I think we're all aware it would take millions to bring everything up to a state that everyone could be proud of and that would provide a return for them."
He added the redevelopment would be a tough sell at council if the project requires a major investment of public money. City staff will evaluate the proposals and report to city council on a preferred bidder before the summer break.
Guildwood Village residents would likely support a spa-style hotel, which has been talked about for years, said Gerard Baribeau, president of the local community association.
"I've lived in the community for 30 years and the Guild Inn is in the heart of it," he said.
Glen Blake, AFM Hospitality's chief development officer, said he was excited about the potential the project offers.
"I think there's a great opportunity," Blake said. "Some of the things I've read as far as the redeveloping and repositioning sound extremely interesting."
He wouldn't discuss details of his company's proposal.
Haldimand Hills owner Jim Corcoran, a veteran spa operator, is enthusiastic about the project, said Rebecca Ryan, the company's marketing manager.
Soknacki said no one wants the property to remain unused and fall further into disrepair.
"The economics are right, interest rates are low, and the city and the community all want to look at something that will work."
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