Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

[Keith W.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

Scott - fully understand, looking forward to it, fly in next Sat - expecting to see - mounted police, maple syrup , moose and hockey
cheers Keith

[Gene M.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

Just a heads up on Parking at the host hotel and immediate area.

For those attending it may be helpful to know ahead of time. The Host hotel is in and area of one way streets and the main entrance is on a side street. There is no provision for entering, checking in then parking. There are approximately 6 spots at the door which appear to be full all the time. That leaves the parking area entrance as a means of parking to check in. If more than one party arrives at the same time this could be awkward at best. While there I did see a tow truck cruising the side street.

Following checking in we were directed to park in the underground parking. The ramp was the steepest I have ever experienced. Low cars with a short wheel base could be a problem. The parking area design is very tight and the painted lines indicated vehicles could be "parked in". The area did seem too small to accommodate the hotel. But it was almost empty mid afternoon. When we returned that evening it was functionally full and many cars were "parked in". There were two spots vacant but things are set up sufficiently tight that other patrons found it necessary to park in such a manner as to negate the use of those two spots. The front desk then directed us to their alternate parking. That was on the ground floor, a right turn as you approach the underground parking door. Things were not as tight there but again a limited area. Like the underground there were building materials in some of the parking spots taking up space. In that area there appeared to be a ramp up but it was blocked.

The next morning when we went for a late complimentary breakfast staff was struggling to keep up. One worker commented it was always that way. Leaving I did see someone on the lower level parking just ahead of the ramp trying in frustration to get out of a parked in situation.

It was also interesting to find that this hotel charges $12.50 per day parking on top of the room rate. I note that the block rate afforded the Ontario Chapter of the NCRS does not include parking. Parking is noted in the booking information of $12.50 per day.

I do not know if there are other competing events at the time of this Regional that effect the block rate. We received a rate lower than the block rate booking just prior to the stay and using AAA for a discount. Which usually isn't that much of a discount.

Alternate parking and parking in general in this downtown area is diligently monitored by the city. Hamilton must view parking as a revenue stream. One must look for signs and read them carefully. One disconcerting situation are lots that appear to be commercial/retail lots where parking is free to patrons during business hours that become paid parking at 7 P.M. They seem to be proficient at ticketing immediately. They also tow.

On another note the number of Canadian attendees will be down slightly due to the Ontario Chapter Regional Committees decision to charge in U.S. dollars. Canadian members that attend will be paying 32 to 35% more than our U.S. friends for registration, Sportsman, Flight Judging etc. For example if "my wife the car guy" and I want to attend the banquet the cost will be $60 x 2= $120 x 1.35= $162.00 Canadian dollars for a buffet. Since members on the committee have been reporting that corporate sponsorship money has been so lucrative they can't lose the additional expense on Canadian members seems unnecessary. I wonder if the other international chapters charge in U.S. dollars?

Is the $12.50 parking in USA funds too? I can't imagine a Canadian business requiring USA funds? I must say we have not stayed at hotels that charge to park your car. Underground garage parking sounds like we'll drive the cheap car. If fees were in Canadian currency it would be beneficial for both Americans (because of the exchange) and fair for Canadians. The $162 cost for Canadians sounds outrageous for two buffet meals. Sounds like the math was reversed in figuring out the fees. It should have been REDUCED by a 1.3 factor not increased by changing the Canadian dollar to USA dollar value.

[Dan A.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

Hello and Welcome Keith

I am well aware of the pain of purchasing a car in the U.S. I have purchased a few. In 2002 I paid $1.60 Canadian for every U.S. dollar for a car I felt I just had to have. To add insult to injury the Canadian government wanted another 15% in taxes based on the sale price commuted to Canadian dollars from the U.S. Meaning the dollar figure to calculate the taxes on was 60% higher. Now that is pain. This was an unusual period of Canadian dollar weakness. 4 maybe 5 year ago we were near par. But as Scott has pointed out. With the fall of the price of oil on the commodities market our dollar has followed suit.This more recent decline in the dollar has been 3 to 4 years now.

I know a little about your Pound as well. I think it was 1999 on a business trip to LLyods in the City the exchange was $2.46 Canadian for 1 British Pound. As you treat a pound as we do a dollar prices seemed to be almost 2 and half times as much as home. On a subsequent trip the exchange rate was better but still steeper than buying U.S. dollars and we were able to take advantage of the VAT rebate for some things.

[Dan A.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

Is the $12.50 parking in USA funds too? I can't imagine a Canadian business requiring USA funds? I must say we have not stayed at hotels that charge to park your car. Underground garage parking sounds like we'll drive the cheap car. If fees were in Canadian currency it would be beneficial for both Americans (because of the exchange) and fair for Canadians. The $162 cost for Canadians sounds outrageous for two buffet meals. Sounds like the math was reversed in figuring out the fees. It should have been REDUCED by a 1.3 factor not increased by changing the Canadian dollar to USA dollar value.

Gene, No the parking charge in not in U.S. funds. The hotel wouldn't likely prosper long in that area at that level of pricing. Although government being what it is might have paid it. They recently used this hotel to house some of the 25,000 Syrian refugees they brought over this past January. I should point out the room we had was clean and very satisfactory. The hotel is not very old. They did charge tax on the $12.50 as you will see.

We were surveyed following our stay. I expect you will be too. My wife the car guy pointed out the tight and sparse parking facility. They di take note of that and the following with security edit was their response.

Dear Ms. Adie,

Thank you for taking the time for letting us know about your experiences here at our hotel. I sincerely, apologize that our parking overflow was not clearly marked for guest use. Being a very valued Gold Hhonors member, your comments, concerns and compliments are taken to heart and used to better improve our service to all guests.
You also mentioned that you are associated with the Regional Corvette Meet later in this month in Hamilton. I have forwarded a copy of your survey and this letter both our General Manager, Olivera Radisic and our Director of Sales, Donna Dydynski so they are both aware of your concerns for the group.
I have removed the parking charge from your stay and issued a credit onto your (method of payment) in the amount of $14.13 as of today’s date.
I am so glad that you are a loyal Hilton guest, and hope you will reconsider staying with us again on your next visit to the Hamilton area. We would love to welcome you back!
If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time at the hotel (905)667-5004 (my direct line) or to Olivera at (905)667-5001.


Sincerely,


Peter Pepetone
Front Office Manager
Homewood Suites by Hilton – Hamilton
(905)667-5004

[Scott S.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

Gentlemen, The parking fee and hotel rates are in Canadian dollars.
Thank you,
Scott

[Dan A.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

FWIW Directions

There are two basic routes to the venue from the host hotel. The one that looks the most direct is stop and go city driving and a major traffic route. The other is fairly simple and quicker.

Left onto Bay Street (Bay is one way North) to King Street West (100 to 200 feet).

Turn left on to King Street West (King is one way). Best to keep to the left lane.

Follow King about 10 to 12 blocks taking the 403 Brantford ramp south. The ramp is on the LEFT.

Down the ramp merging onto Hwy 403. This will take you up the Niagara Escarpment. (Note, locals refer to the Escarpment as the Mountain. I have never heard it called the Escarpment by Hamiltonian's)

Follow the 403 to the second exit from the top of the hill (escarpment). The sign may say to Hwy 6 and Garner Road. This will take you east.

Once off Hwy 403 it is about 5 miles to the road leading into the Airport. There is a sign on the left indicating to turn left onto the road leading into the Airport. Maybe a 1 mile after the left.

At the intersection of Airport Road you should be able to see the Museum at about 1 or 2 o'clock. Turn right then left into the Museum parking lot. You should be at the venue. Welcome

https://www.bing.com/mapspreview?osid=6f83f05c-9f66-4769-94bb-ceb15b41500d&cp=43.212687~-79.955499&lvl=12&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027

Some may find some aspects of this meet to be something much like Lakeland in that hotels are not present in the area of the venue. Restaurants and shopping are are non existent in the venue area and I have concerns whether visitors will find acceptable dining and shopping in the host hotel area.

[Scott S.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

Gentlemen, Our Contract with the hotel is a parking fee of $9.00 Canadian Dollars. We will advise our members if they are not active on the TDB.
Our members will have a great time at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and the Homewood Suites. Our food will be over the top.
Thank you for your interest.
Scott Sinclair
Chairman 2016 NCRS Regional

[Scott S.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

We are all set to go. Thank you all for your great support of this event. We have Corvettes in every class except 53/5.
See you there.
Scott

[Steve B.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

Looking forward to seeing some pictures of the event.

[Mark D.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

A very nice venue and well managed meet, by our allies to the north. I made some new friends so, it doesn't get better than that. This is one I hope to attend again in the future.

Great job!

Kramden

[Mark D.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

[Keith W.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

See attached some pictures, great show, great weather great location, great people - NCRS Ontario nailed it - hope this is a regular event, will be back for the next one Cheers Keith

[Keith W.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

[Gene M.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

Ontario meet was a class act, lots of nice cars and good friends. Anybody that missed this meet missed a good time and great show. All the vintage aircraft was a big plus.

We went out to dinner with our best Canadian friends and had delicious meal and enjoyable conversation.

We just zipped thru the boarder crossing both ways. No hold up there.

[Dan A.]

Re: Ontario Chapter Regional Meet Sept 22-24,2016

Local news coverage

http://www.chch.com/dream-machines/