Construction has officially started for Kincardine’s newest commerical development.

Yesterday marked the official groundbreaking for the Townplace Suites Marriott, located behind Sobey’s grocery store.

The hotel will have 84 suites, all with kitchens, a salt-water swimming pool, a large convention and meeting centre, an exercise facility, and an indoor golf simulator. It should be ready to open next spring.

Mayor Larry Kraemer has been at the forefront in attempting to bring natural gas to the area. Kincardine council last night passed a motion by Kraemer to seek financial help from Queen’s Park for the natural gas proposal.

Arif Ismail, managing partner with  hotel developer Legacy Hospitality Management and Development, suggests a supply of natural gas may be holding up future development in the Kincardine area.

“Obviously we would like natural gas in town,” says Ismail. “It obviously makes sense for greater development within the business park.  And I think that’s why larger companies like smart centres are probably not ready to develop in the community because of the natural gas issues and maybe some servicing issues that  they may be obligated to ante up.”