Hotel Equities and We Wai Kai Nation Break Ground on Four Points by Sheraton Campbell River on Vancouver Island

VANCOUVER, BC - Hotel Equities (HE), a best-in-class hospitality operator, today announces the groundbreaking of Four Points by Sheraton Campbell River in Campbell River, British Columbia. HE will operate the property upon opening under Marriott International's Four Points by Sheraton brand, working alongside We Wai Kai Nation, which owns and is developing the 102-room hotel at 200 Brant Drive. Part of the Quinsam Crossing commercial development, the hotel is anticipated to open in spring 2028.

The groundbreaking, hosted by We Wai Kai Nation and HE, included a traditional Kwakwaka'wakw eagle down blessing ceremony (K'amk'amxwaliła). Attendees included Kermit Dahl, Mayor of the City of Campbell River; and Hereditary We Wai Kai Chief Yakawidi, also known as Shawn Decaire, who assisted in the blessing ceremony.

"Vancouver Island's tourism demand has outpaced its hotel supply for years, and Campbell River is a clear example of that gap," said Ryan McRae, senior vice president of business development for HE. "We're building on our relationship with We Wai Kai Nation and Marriott to bring Four Points by Sheraton to this market. Our team's experience developing and operating branded hotels across Canada gives We Wai Kai Nation a partner who can carry this project from groundbreaking through day-to-day operations and deliver long-term performance for the Nation."

"We're excited to announce this project along with Marriott and Hotel Equities," said Chief Ronnie Chickite of We Wai Kai Nation. "This economic development initiative will enhance the opportunities for our Nation and will also serve the Greater Campbell River and North Island communities for years to come. As a Nation, we are highly motivated to serve our members and continuously also strive to be strong community partners."

"Seeing this project reach the groundbreaking stage is a proud moment for We Wai Kai Nation and everyone who has contributed to making it a reality," said Jason Wilson, director of economic development, We Wai Kai Nation. "I've had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional team of collaborators, including Marriott, Hotel Equities, Urban Design Group Architects and Ketza Pacific Contracting, all of whom have played an important role in bringing this vision to life. Today's groundbreaking was marked by a traditional Kwakwaka'wakw eagle down blessing ceremony, a sacred practice that symbolizes peace, blessings and spiritual strength. The ceremony honours the work that has brought us to this point while recognizing the exciting future that lies ahead. The Four Points by Sheraton Campbell River is an investment in our Nation's future, creating opportunities for economic growth, employment and long-term prosperity for our members."

"Marriott is committed to working with owners who have a deep understanding and expertise of their market, and we're proud to be working with We Wai Kai Nation as the owner and developer of this hotel," said Duncan Chiu, Area VP Development, Marriott International. "Campbell River has visitor demand tied to Vancouver Island's outdoor recreation and marine tourism, and this hotel is set to meet that growing demand and expand options for travelers. Paired with Four Points by Sheraton's distinct brand promise, Hotel Equities' proven track record in Canada and its commitment to owners give us confidence in the property's long-term success."

Campbell River, nicknamed the "Salmon Capital of the World," sits along the Discovery Passage, a 16-mile shipping channel linking Vancouver Island to mainland British Columbia. The hotel is set to expand branded lodging options in the region for Hotel Equities' portfolio. For We Wai Kai Nation, the project is also expected to create construction and hospitality jobs for its members and build a lasting revenue stream, part of the Nation's broader push toward economic sovereignty.

Hotel Equities operates hotels across five Canadian provinces, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia; with in-market leadership from Martin Stitt, senior vice president of operations, Canada, and Ryan McRae, senior vice president of business development, Canada. The company's Canadian portfolio is supported by HE's shared-services platform, providing revenue management, sales, food and beverage, and talent development. Four Points by Sheraton Campbell River extends that footprint and adds to Hotel Equities' track record guiding First Nations and Indigenous ownership groups from development through day-to-day operations.

For more information, visit https://www.hotelequities.ca.