Refresh coming to Fairmont Winnipeg after hotel acquired by James Richardson & Sons

The Fairmont Winnipeg is back under familiar ownership.

Lombard Hospitality, a subsidiary of James Richardson & Sons Ltd., announced Thursday it has acquired the hotel near Portage and Main.

The hotel, which opened in 1970, was originally developed and owned by the Richardson family but was sold in 2000.

As a result of the acquisition, the building will once again be part of the Richardson Centre but continue to operate under the Fairmont brand, says a news release.

Don Solman, chairman of Lombard Hospitality, said the purchase was partly motivated by the company's desire to expand its downtown campus, but also because of the increase in business and leisure travel to Winnipeg post-pandemic.

"From a business perspective, conference travel has escalated significantly. Winnipeg's got a world-class convention centre and the Fairmont, along with other hotel offerings make Winnipeg a desirable city for conferences and major events," he said.

"So you put all of that together and it makes sense for the Richardson Group of companies to make this investment."

The company plans to renovate the hotel to give it a refresh but it would be too early to say when that could start, Solman said.

"Like any hotel property, it periodically needs refreshing. This hotel needs refreshing and we're committed to doing that," he said.

"I'd be speculating if I gave you some dates, but what I will say is we won't be sitting on our hands. This is a project that we will move forward with in the coming weeks and months."

All employees have been offered continued employment with the hotel, the news release says.

Michael Juce, president of the Manitoba Hotel Association, said it's an exciting development for the hotel industry, which is still recovering from its darkest days during the pandemic.

"I think it's only, you know, a good signal to see that investment and the other investments in our downtown area as well," he said.

The last year has seen occupancy rates rebound from the all-time lows during the pandemic, even as high inflation and interest rates have slowed down business for hotels somewhat, Juce said.

"I think there's been some recent storm clouds on the horizon, but it's been a very good past year, I'll say."