Best Western Plus Walkerton Hotel – Building Equity in the Community

Located in the central hub of Grey-Bruce County, within minutes of the beautiful beaches of Lake Huron is the award-winning Best Western Plus Walkerton Hotel & Conference Centre, offering guests amazing accommodation for business and pleasure.

Best Western Plus Walkerton Hotel & Conference Centre is owned and operated by Andrew Windsor and his wife Carolyn. Windsor has been working in the hospitality industry for over 25 years with companies such as Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Choice Hotels, and Silverbirch Hotels. In May 2019,  Windsor and his wife moved from Newfoundland to Ontario to take ownership of the Walkerton-based hotel partnering with his brother, Bill, who owns Windsor Hospitality Inc. of Stratford, Ontario.

The Saugeen Economic Development Corporation, under the leadership of General Manager Rose Austin, has been an investor in the hotel for more than nine years. Upon learning about the hotel’s sale and meeting Windsor, Austin was determined to remain a part of the hotel’s prosperous journey. “Rose has consistently been a valuable supporter, and I rely on her from time to time. Having the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation as an equity partner is truly beneficial,” said Windsor.

Windsor’s journey progresses as an expansion set to begin this fall will introduce 30 suites for extended-stay guests under the name @HOME by Best Western and will create employment opportunities for the community, both during the construction phase and afterward. “This is an exciting time for us and the support from all our stakeholders and the community has been wonderful,” said Windsor.

The partnership between Windsor and the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation shows yet another way that CFDCs support their business community to ensure continued growth and prosperity. “Investing in the Best Western has been one of the most successful decisions SEDC has ever made. The Windsor’s have created jobs and provided outstanding hospitality; we’ve seen firsthand how fostering local growth not only strengthens the economy but also brings people together. It’s about more than just financial returns; it’s about providing growth to our community and fostering long-term commitments.  Working with the Windsor’s has been a pleasure. They believe in the same local commitment to our community,” said Austin.

Community Futures Funding Partner:

Rural businesses, organizations, and communities are the cornerstone of Canada’s economy. To ensure rural Canadians are positioned for success, the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), has partnered with the Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) across southern Ontario to provide access to the tools and support these businesses within their communities need to succeed.