Construction project resumes in Fort McMurray as hotel kicks off the rebuilding process

MasterBUILT Hotels Ltd. has resumed construction of the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham (“Microtel”) hotel in Fort McMurray only weeks after the city was devastated by the recent Spring wildfires.

The Microtel, which was in the late framing stages when it was destroyed by a separate fire on Christmas Day, was just days away from pouring the foundation of the 139-room hotel for a second time when the mandatory evacuation of the city was ordered on May 3^rd.  “It is hard to imagine being impacted by two separate fires within the span of five months, but fortunately this time around our foundation was unharmed and we have had great cooperation from city officials and our trades to get back to work and start the process of rebuilding Fort McMurray,” stated Eric Watson, chief operating officer of MasterBUILT Hotels, the project’s developer and builder.

David Bengert, vice-president of construction with MasterBUILT Hotels, was eager to recommence construction of the hotel, “We worked with city officials and identified four small areas with fire damage.  We followed the procedures as outlined, which included testing the site for contaminants and applying for a demolition permit. Once all recommendations were adhered to and inspected by city staff, we were able to resume construction. This quick start will minimize the delay in completing construction of the hotel, which we plan to open in summer 2017”.

The Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham project is part of a joint venture between the Mikisew Group of Companies and Superior Lodging Corp. MasterBUILT Hotels is the developer, builder and operator of the hotel on behalf of the ownership group. The Mikisew and Superior Lodging groups are also the owners of the Super 8 Motel Fort McMurray, which was completely destroyed by the Spring wildfire. The group plans to rebuild on the former Super 8 location as soon as possible with formal plans to be announced in the coming months.