Kamloops, BC (April 30, 2025) – Invictus Properties Inc. is proud to announce a double win at the 2025 BC Hotel Association (BCHA) Awards of Excellence. Two exceptional team members – Eddie Salehi and Mitch Shafer – have been recognized as leaders in their fields, bringing provincial acclaim to the Kamloops-based hotel.

• Eddie Salehi, Director of Rooms, was awarded Leader of the Future, a distinction that honours emerging leaders who are shaping the future of hospitality through innovation and excellence.

• Mitch Shafer, Executive Chef of Delta Kamloops & Cordo Resto + Bar, received the Culinary Excellence Award, which celebrates creativity, consistency, and a commitment to elevating the guest dining experience.

Eddie expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, attributing his success to the support and mentorship he’s received along the way:

"This award means so much to me," said Eddie Salehi. "Being recognized as a leader in the future of hospitality is an incredible honor, and I owe it to the amazing mentors and colleagues who have supported me along the way. I’m excited to continue growing and innovating in this industry."

For Chef Mitch, the award is a testament to his team's collective passion and creativity:

"For me, cooking has always been about creating memorable experiences," said Mitch Shafer. "Winning this award is a reflection of the passion and dedication our entire kitchen team puts into every dish. I’m grateful to be part of such a forward-thinking and supportive hospitality community."

General Manager Jocelyn Bennett was also a finalist for the provincial Hotelier of the Year award and celebrated the team’s accomplishments with pride and enthusiasm.

"I couldn’t be happier for Eddie and Mitch," said Jocelyn Bennett. "Their talent, dedication, and passion are what make Delta Kamloops such a special place. While I am grateful to be a finalist this time, celebrating their wins means just as much. This is a win for all of us."

Bryan Pilbeam, Chief Operating Officer of Invictus Properties, praised the honourees for their hard work and the positive example they set for the industry:

"These wins are incredibly well-deserved," said Bryan Pilbeam, Chief Operating Officer of Invictus Properties. "The awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work that Eddie. Mitch and Jocelyn consistently demonstrate. We couldn't be more delighted to see their efforts and passion recognized."

The BCHA Awards of Excellence honor outstanding achievements within British Columbia’s hospitality industry, with winners selected from hundreds of nominations across the province.

Invictus Properties Inc., alongside the 150 employees at Delta Kamloops, celebrates this outstanding achievement. The entire team remains dedicated to delivering exceptional service, setting the benchmark for hospitality, and being the preferred meeting and event location for Kamloops locals and visitors.

For more information about the BCHA Awards of Excellence and the 2025 BCHA Summit, please visit https://bcha.com/bchasummit.

Embark on a sensorial journey and unlock the secret of nature’s most effective botanicals. The revitalizing power of the blood orange – with vitamin C and antioxidants.

Inspired by Giorgio’s astonishing discoveries, preserved in his 1811 “traité du Citurs”, our naturals cosmetics line is imbued with the revitalizing power of organic blood orange essentials oil from Siciliy.

Available in Smart Care and SHAPE dispenser system. Room Spray, 300ml also available.

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ARLINGTON, Va. – 28 April 2025 – Canada’s hotel industry reported mixed year-over-year performance in March, according to data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets.

March 2025 (percentage change from 2024):

• Occupancy: 59.4% (-2.7%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): CAD187.81 (+1.6%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD111.52 (-1.2%)

Despite a year-over-year drop in the metric, Canada’s occupancy level was its highest since November 2024.

Among the provinces and territories, British Columbia recorded the highest occupancy level (66.8%), which was 1.4% above 2024.

Among the major markets, Vancouver saw the highest occupancy (72.0%), down 1.7% from March 2024.

The lowest occupancy among provinces was reported in Prince Edward Island (38.4%), up 17.9% against 2024.

At the market level, the lowest occupancy was reported in Montreal (-13.9% to 55.0%).

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.costargroup.com.

The Kenrick Hotel, formerly the High Country Inn (opened in 1982), now reimagined as a luxurious modern retreat in Banff, Alberta.

After a 2.5-year, multi-phase renovation, the boutique hotel is officially launching in May 2025 with an elevated guest experience, strengthening its position in Banff’s competitive market. What sets this project apart is its highly strategic collaboration with BUILD IT, the trusted construction partner behind the transformation.

Given your audience's interest in hotel management and issues affecting hoteliers, this story provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at a project that is setting a new standard for high-end hospitality in one of Canada's most iconic locations.

BUILD IT’s Role in The Kenrick’s Transformation

As BUILD IT’s first hotel renovation, this project showcases their ability to lead complex build-outs. From navigating the logistics of Banff’s remote location to securing approvals from the Town of Banff and Parks Canada, their team played a key role in executing the renovation while preserving historical elements and meeting rigorous design and sustainability standards.

Key renovation phases included:

• Conference Center Upgrades: Modernized for events, conferences, and weddings to support business and leisure gatherings.

• Exterior and Systems Overhaul: The building envelope was upgraded, the terracotta roof replaced, and extensive earthworks and patio enhancements made to complement the new restaurant and improve the guest experience. The hotel also underwent a comprehensive upgrade to its mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring efficient operation and integration across the property for enhanced guest comfort.

• Guest Suite & Spa Renovations: A full renovation of 70 suites, a new lobby, and the introduction of a wellness-focused spa designed to attract travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

BUILD IT's leadership was key in managing the project, coordinating trades and timelines, and working with The Kenrick team to ensure the hotel was only closed for 6 months to complete the guest suite renovations.

An Icon Reimagined

Now standing as one of Banff’s premier boutique hotels, The Kenrick Hotel blends luxury, heritage, and innovation, setting a new standard for high-end hospitality. This project underscores how the right team of partners, from design to execution, is critical in delivering a successful transformation. The Kenrick Hotel’s success serves as a prime example of what happens when teamwork, expertise, and strategic planning come together to create something truly exceptional.