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Oak Bay Beach Hotel delay sends guests to Empress

David Foster Foundation Miracle weekend plans derailed by construction

The delayed opening of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel forced a change in venue for the 25th anniversary of the David Foster Foundation’s Miracle Weekend.

The luxury waterfront hotel was set to hold its grand opening gala on May 25 in collaboration with the Miracle Weekend May 25 to 27, which supports the David Foster Foundation providing financial support to Canadian families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants.

However, the event is now scheduled to take place at The Fairmont Empress.

“It looks like we weren’t going to have the hotel quite 100 per cent ready to go,” Kevin Walker, owner of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel said. “So rather than opening the doors and not being at our very best, we reverted to Plan B.”

Besides the change in venue from the Oak Bay Beach Hotel to The Empress, details of the Miracle Weekend remain the same, Walker said, adding that guests will not notice any dramatic changes in the event.

The Empress will host the event with the Oak Bay Beach Hotel team. Staff will be making a combined effort, Walker explained.

“This is a cause that we really believe in … and we’re just thrilled to be able to expand the celebration into the downtown area,” he said.

The Miracle Weekend also launches the start of a 10-year collaboration between the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and the David Foster Foundation.

Walker and his wife, Shawna, have pledged to raise $2 million over the next 10 years for the David Foster Foundation through proceeds from ticket sales to the David Foster Foundation Theatre, to be located in the new hotel.

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is expected to be fully operational in July, according to Walker. Staff should be in the hotel by late May or early June.

The Miracle Weekend costs $5,000 per person and is based on double occupancy. All proceeds go to the David Foster Foundation.

Ticket buyers will also be offered a complimentary weekend at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel for future use.

Click here for more information about the event.