Cochrane, Ontario
Comfort Inn
Project Overview
FCC Builders Canada was contracted to construct a new three-storey Comfort Inn Hotel located in Cochrane, Ontario. The hotel consists of 68 guest rooms and includes a variety of amenities designed to serve both business and leisure travelers in the Northern Ontario region. As the general contractor, FCC Builders Canada managed all aspects of construction, from site preparation to final finishes, delivering a turnkey project that meets brand standards and local code requirements.
Scope of Work
The project involved the full construction of the hotel from the ground up, including excavation, foundation, structural framing, roofing, mechanical and electrical systems, and all interior finishes. FCC Builders Canada was also responsible for site servicing, parking lot construction, and landscaping.
Each of the 68 rooms was constructed to meet Comfort Inn’s brand specifications, featuring high-quality finishes, soundproofing, modern bathrooms, and integrated HVAC systems. Common areas such as the reception, lounge, breakfast area, laundry rooms, and back-of- house staff facilities were built with durable materials suitable for high-traffic use. The building also includes a commercial elevator, fire-rated stairwells, and a comprehensive life safety system.
Key Features of the Project
01. A three-storey hotel structure designed for efficiency, comfort, and long-term durability in Northern Ontario’s climate.
02. Sixty-eight fully finished guest rooms featuring energy-efficient windows, PTAC HVAC units, and branded interior finishes.
03. A welcoming lobby and breakfast area constructed with modern finishes and durable flooring.
04. Back-of-house operational areas including housekeeping, laundry, offices, and mechanical rooms designed to support 24/7 hotel operations.
05. Full mechanical and electrical system integration, including commercial-grade HVAC systems.
06. Installation of elevator and accessibility features to ensure full compliance with franchise standards.
07. Exterior site work including asphalt paving, lighting, curbs, drainage systems, and landscaping.
Challenges and Solutions
Constructing a large-scale hotel in Northern Ontario presented unique logistical and environmental challenges. Extreme winter weather in Cochrane, including sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall, affected both the construction schedule and working conditions. FCC Builders Canada implemented strategic scheduling to minimize weather-related delays, including the use of temporary heating and insulated enclosures to allow interior work to continue during colder months.
Transportation and delivery of materials to the remote location was another significant challenge. Long distances from major supply hubs often resulted in delays or limited availability of certain construction materials. To address this, FCC Builders Canada worked closely with regional suppliers, planned procurement well in advance, and maintained on-site storage for critical components to avoid downtime.
Limited access to specialized trades in the region also required careful coordination. Our project management team ensured that subcontractors were scheduled efficiently, accommodations were arranged, and safety measures were in place for travel - particularly during winter months when subcontractors were traveling along the Trans-Canada Highway under harsh conditions.
Project Outcome
Despite the challenging environment, FCC Builders Canada successfully completed the Comfort Inn Hotel. The completed hotel is now operating as a reliable and welcoming destination in Cochrane, serving visitors, local business travelers, and tourists. The quality of construction, attention to detail, and ability to adapt to regional challenges was recognized and appreciated by the client, Comfort Inn brand representatives, and local stakeholders. This project stands as a testament to FCC Builders Canada’s commitment to delivering high-quality construction in even the most demanding conditions, and to supporting the growth and development of infrastructure in Northern Ontario communities.