IHG has begun construction on its first Avid-branded property in Canada, forecast to open in spring 2022. The property is owned by PI Cap and is situated in the city of Vaughan, a suburb north of Toronto.
The 119-room hotel will be set across six floors and located a short drive from Toronto Pearson International airport. Vaughan is well known for Canada’s Wonderland theme park, which draws millions of visitors to the area each year.
The midscale Avid brand was unveiled in September 2017, and has been designed to operate under a franchise model, comprising new-build properties offering a minimum of three floors.
There are currently over twelve Avid hotels open across the US and Mexico, including the brand’s first property in the latter, and more than 200 properties in the development pipeline. IHG also plans to launch the first Avid hotel in Europe at Frankfurt Airport next year.
Karen Gilbride, vice president of Avid hotels and Atwell Suites at IHG, commented:
“On behalf of IHG and our thousands of colleagues, I congratulate PI Cap on this milestone for the avid hotels brand in Canada. There are great things on the horizon as travelers continue to visit newly opened hotels and discover the avid hotels’ experience, which is all about the basics done exceptionally well and delivered at a fair price.
“We believe this mainstream brand will continue to resonate strongly with hotel owners due to the lower cost to build, efficient staffing model and overall operating economics in the current environment and for years to come.”
Sandeep Ahuja, co-owner of PI Cap, added:
“While we have deep roots throughout Canada and are known and trusted for our expertise in personal and business insurance, this property marks our first venture into the hospitality industry, and we are excited to partner with IHG to introduce the avid brand to Canadian consumers. We look forward to welcoming our first guests at this new property soon.”
