Finally, a quality hotel to open in the vicinity of the airport. Days Inn is the only chain there now, but Hilton GI and HI Express are both under construction within the area. Considering this neighbourhood though, I can't imagine it being a FS, but rather a CY - even if a waterpark is planned.
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Hotel bid gets quick trip to council
Patrick Dare, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Wednesday, June 11, 2008

An Ottawa businessman wants to build a 200-room Marriott hotel at Bank Street and Walkley Road, and council is to look at the proposal today in a fast-track bid to keep the project in the city.

The planning committee approved the plan yesterday.

Planning consultant Lloyd Phillips said the 4.7-acre triangular site was selected by businessman Anand Aggarwal because of its proximity to the airport, the transitway and the possible future link to a commuter rail system.

River Ward Councillor Maria McRae said she was delighted that a city businessman was prepared to invest in a part of the municipality that has become "a nasty part of the city." Car and truck traffic is heavy at the intersection, and homeless people sometimes sleep on the lot and panhandle at a nearby mall.

Ms. McRae is especially sold on the project because Mr. Aggarwal is keen to integrate the development into the neighbourhood with greenspace, a small waterfall and fountain, as well as a possible station for a future light-rail service.

She said the development will include an indoor waterpark in the hotel, a Starbucks and a restaurant, giving people in the neighbourhood a walkable destination.

The construction project would start in the fall and be complete within two years.

Ms. McRae said the project was presented to residents in the Riverside Park and Ridgemont community association in five meetings and that they endorsed the development because they saw how it clearly will improve the neighbourhood.

"I've never seen that in 41/2 years," the councillor said. "This is good for the community."