BC hotels dominate HAC Hall of Fame Awards

TORONTO - The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) celebrated its fourth annual evening of industry achievements Feb. 26 at the Hilton Toronto Hotel, Toronto, with its Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence Program.

The Hall of Fame Awards Program was developed by the HAC to recognize those members (individuals, companies or properties) that have demonstrated signifi cant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to Canada’s lodging industry.

"The goal of HAC’s awards program is to reward strong standards in the industry that will enable this country to remain competitive," said Irwin Prince, past chair of the Hotel Association of Canada and event MC. "We are pleased to honour this year’s winners, whom we feel represent some of the finest examples of professionalism, quality and perfection."

Following an elegant champagne reception and dinner in the ballroom of the Hilton Toronto Hotel, four Hall of Fame awards were presented under the categories of Humanitarianism, Human Resources and Energy & Environment.

Holiday Inn Vancouver’s humanitarian initiatives

In the category of Humanitarianism, the award was presented to the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Vancouver Downtown. The hotel was selected to receive the Humanitarian Award in recognition of its ongoing support of the community through a variety of initiatives: St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation; Indigenous Scholarship Program; Cops for Cancer; Union Gospel Mission; and the 2007 Vancouver Pride Parade to
name just a few.

Water saving, micro hydro

Two Energy and Environment Awards were presented - one to a branded property and one to a non-branded property. The Delta Sun Peaks Resort, Sun Peaks, BC, undertook a number of initiatives in the areas of water conservation, electricity, propane and waste reduction, producing significant savings this past year. As well, the hotel has an extensive recycling program that it supports financially. And to assist in minimizing their footprint, they have partnered with several socially conscious organizations.

The Island Lake Lodge, Fernie, BC, also received the Energy & Environment Award for its programs including the introduction of a microhydro system, water saving devices throughout the property, and a comprehensive recycling program involving the lodge’s suppliers. The lodge’s efforts also extend to the community through various campaigns and donations.

Outstanding HR award goes to Tigh-Na-Mara

The Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort was awarded in the category of Human Resources for its outstanding service culture practices. The hotel has implemented numerous employee programs and incentives which ultimately motivate and encourage staff to provide guests with an experience that leaves a lasting impression. The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) sponsored the award and Graeme Barrit, president of Coast Hotels & Resorts and business co-chair of the CTHRC, relayed some of the resort’s many employee-focused initiatives to the audience just prior to presenting the award.

Phillips honoured with new bursary

For those who knew him, the title of the new award created in his name is entirely appropriate. The Stephen Phillips Passion for Hospitality Bursary is dedicated to the memory of Stephen H. Phillips, former vicechairman and CEO of AFM Hospitality Corporation Inc., who passed away from cancer in early 2007. This bursary will be awarded annually to a hospitality student who best represents the qualities that Stephen Phillips brought to the industry.

Julie Meadows, a Hospitality and Food Administration student at the University of Guelph, was selected as the 2007 recipient of the bursary. Barely into her twenties, Julie has already demonstrated a dedication to the industry that is a fitting reflection of the bursary’s namesake.