Rideau Hotel Update
Even the seemingly most difficult consumer problems can have a positive ending. A few days ago we told you about a young family (husband, wife, and young child) who were shocked to learn that the newly restored building they just moved into after signing a 1-year lease was being converted to short-term vacation and business-travel rentals without any warning. The building is the Rideau Hotel in Smiths Falls’ downtown sector, the owner is Parkview Homes, and the rental firm is Simply Comfort Suites. Simply Comfort signed a 3-year deal with Parkview to rent 22 of the former hotel’s 25 luxury units.
Our young family was concerned about security and noise, living in a building where the neighbours wouldn’t be long-term. They knew the change would give them a solid reason for breaking the lease, but they really liked their unit, the building, and the location, having moved from Ottawa to benefit from small-town living. They reported this week that Parkview Homes did reach out and contact them to explain the situation and to reassure them it wouldn’t cause any negative issues for them.
We spoke with Parkview’s VP Ken Shelley who confirmed his conversation with the family went well and they were satisfied with the results. Shelley explained that Parkview began an aggressive marketing campaign to locate traditional tenants last November and were only able to rent one unit after 5 months of efforts. He added that Simply Comfort has strict protocols for all their units to ensure their guests don’t disturb or infringe upon the rights of neighbours and that a full-time staff member would manage the Rideau. He also stressed that this move was not made to force out the family as Parkview values them as the pioneer group that first decided to take a chance on the venture.
