The COVID-19 pandemic has, in large part, led to a local Kamloops developer changing its mind on building a new hotel in Aberdeen.

Mundi Hotels had been approved in September of 2019 to build a new Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, but it has reversed course and is now proposing a 104-unit, six-storey condo building.

Owner Ron Mundi, who owns 13 hotel properties in B.C. and Alberta, including three in Kamloops, points out the industry took a hit during the pandemic, and he’s expecting a two-year recovery for not just hotels, but also restaurants, airlines and cruise ships.

“So that’s the reason we think towards the second option. And we realized the residential market still has room for an apartment building. Because we see the market in Kamloops is really strong, so we changed our mind to go that direction.”

The new building would have 63 one-bedroom units, 35 two-bedroom units and six studio units. The size of each unit would be between 508 and 1,132 square feet. There would also be a rooftop terrace proposed, with seating, a barbecue area and pergolas.

“We are close to Aberdeen Mall, it’s just walking distance, and close to the Costco. Lots of stuff is walking distance from there. And we hope the council and staff support this project. And what I think of this is it’s the right spot to be doing a residence, next to the hotel,” Mundi says.

Mundi says a two-storey underground parkade would also be part of the new condo plan, meaning that while some surface parking would be removed there would be more parking created.

“We don’t want to lose any parking, because we have a huge convention center. We don’t want to compromise our hotel side business. So they have enough parking for the hotel and also have a separate parkade underground, for the apartment.”

City staff are recommending council approve first and second reading this afternoon of the zoning amendment that is needed for the project, and to approve a public hearing for a later date.

(Photo: City of Kamloops)