St. John's, NL - (March 7, 2001)

Fortis Properties Corporation announced today that its Halifax hotel property currently under construction in Halifax, Nova Scotia will be branded a Four Points by Sheraton, under a franchise agreement with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. This will be the first Four Points by Sheraton property in Atlantic Canada.

The Four Points by Sheraton, Halifax, will be a 178 room full service hotel, which will include 18 suites. Other features and services of the new property will include 1,500 sq. ft. of premium meeting space, heated indoor pool with exercise facility, and underground parking. Food and beverage offerings from the existing Maritime Centre will be incorporated into the hotel public space, and include the 165-seat Pacifico Bar & Grill and 35-seat lounge.

The Four Points by Sheraton, Halifax is centrally located in the heart of downtown, will be inter-connected to the Company owned Maritime Centre, and is within easy walking distance of famed Historic Properties, Citadel Hill, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Waterfront, Pier 21, the Public Gardens and the renowned shopping and dining of Spring Garden Road. The $15 million project is scheduled to open in September 2001.

“As the largest market in Atlantic Canada, Halifax is integral to Fortis Properties strategic vision and commitment to growing its hospitality operations in Atlantic Canada. We are pleased to partner with Starwood and the Four Points by Sheraton brand which are recognized globally. This brand reflects the market positioning and commitment to customer service to successfully build our business in Halifax.” remarked John Walker, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fortis Properties Corporation.

Four Points by Sheraton is the mid-market brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Four Points by Sheraton has become Starwood’s fastest growing hotel brand, expanding to more than 140 properties in 12 countries around the world, including the United States and Canada. Starwood Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:HOT), is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 725 properties in 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties

Fortis Properties Corporation is involved in the ownership and management of office buildings, shopping centers and hotels throughout Atlantic Canada. The Company owns and manages 2.3 million square feet of commercial real estate and seven hotels under various brands throughout Atlantic Canada. Its parent company, Fortis Inc. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trades under the ticker symbol FTS. 

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