Fortis Properties Corporation announced today the opening of its $13 million expansion at the Holiday Inn Express Kelowna.  The seven-storey, 70-room expansion adjoins to the existing hotel and features new meeting facilities, executive-class rooms, business and family suites, a spacious fitness facility and an indoor pool with two waterslides.

“As a growth oriented company, we are pleased to bring this investment to fruition,” said Nora Duke, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fortis Properties Corporation.  “Entering the Kelowna marketplace in 2006 with the acquisition of this hotel was a positive experience for our Company, and it is exciting to take another step forward with this expansion.”

“Our hotel now provides customers and guests with a greater range of products and services to accommodate their business and leisure needs,” said Michael Wynne, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express Kelowna.  “Our new conference space and catering services, together with our enhanced room product, makes Holiday Inn Express Kelowna the destination for corporate and group functions.”

“Our decision to proceed with the expansion project was supported not only by a solid business case but also by the dedication and commitment demonstrated by our employees at Holiday Inn Express Kelowna,” stated Duke.  “Their commitment to service excellence is the basis for our success.”

Project construction began in January 2009 and resulted in 80,000 person hours of construction related work over the construction period.

The Holiday Inn Express Kelowna features a total of 190 guest rooms and six meeting rooms.  It is one of 21 hotels owned and operated by Fortis Properties Corporation.  Fortis Properties, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., owns and operates commercial real estate, hotels and unregulated hydroelectric plants.  Fortis Properties employs approximately 2,300 people. Visit www.fortisproperties.com for additional information about the Company.

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For further information, please contact: 

Gail Tucker

Manager, Corporate Communications

Fortis Properties Corporation

Tel: 709.737.2927