Latest news with #ParkInn
CBC
27-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Province obtains court order to recover $144K from agency for client hotel stays
Social Sharing The Alberta government is trying to recover nearly $144,000 in costs from the social service agency that made headlines last year for having its clients placed in hotel rooms after they were discharged from hospital. The province obtained a judgment against the Contentment Social Services Foundation in March after making numerous attempts to contact people involved with the agency last fall. Alberta's former ministry of seniors, community and social Services, now known as Assisted Living and Social Services, outlined the costs in a statement of claim filed in November. They include $82,730 owed to the Park Inn by Radisson in Leduc for room bookings, additional costs and damages, $42,908 to Mainstreet Equity Corporation for apartments the agency rented for clients and $14,569 for Meals on Wheels, which was contracted after the government found clients at the hotel. Contentment Social Services did not file a statement of defence in response. The court judgment also includes costs incurred by the law firm contracted by the government and the process server during the attempts to find officials from Contentment Social Services. CBC News first reported in March 2024 how a stroke patient who was discharged from the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton was placed in a hotel room instead of the long-term care facility he thought he was going to. His wife said he had difficulties getting to the washroom in his wheelchair and that he was being fed fast food. The province stepped in to help 39 people under the care of Contentment Social Services find appropriate places to live. The Alberta government conducted investigations into the matter and evidence of possible criminal fraud was forwarded to Edmonton Police. In March, Shum Shabat Yousouf, the former director of Contentment Social Services, was charged with fraud over $5,000 and theft over $5,000.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
ANC Limpopo regional elective conference records largest spending since 1994
The cost is the largest spending for a regional conference in the province since democracy in 1994. The 10th ANC Peter Mokaba regional elective conference in Limpopo has cost the region more than R8 million, sources say The cost is the largest spending for a regional conference in the province since democracy in 1994. How ANC spent the money A source within the regional executive committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said the money was spent on food and beverages for friends of the ANC from both the province and national leadership, sound systems, venues, transport, media, accommodation, decoration and banners, among many other items. 'We had to book two venues for accommodation. We booked The Ranch and Park Inn hotels to accommodate delegates and friends of the ANC, including journalists,' said the source. Another source told The Citizen the region spent more than R2 million only on accommodation at the Ranch and Park In Hotels. 'Remember, the conference was scheduled to sit on the 15th and 16th, but it was postponed due to disputes. We had to extend the booking for five more days while waiting for the national dispute resolution committee to finalise the clearance of the disputes,' said the source. ALSO READ: ANC elective conference in Limpopo stalled by disputes Chicks, snacks, booze paid by ANC A delegate booked at Park Inn Hotel, who also asked for his name to be withheld, had only this to say: 'We had everything – free meals, nice accommodation, chicks, snacks and booze. All this was paid for by the ANC. 'Others alleged generous service providers from around the province and Gauteng offered to pay the bill. 'You know the ANC has no money. It depends on handouts from generous service providers. 'Those who are lucky got out of the conference with well-lined pockets after promises that they would vote correctly at the conference,' he said. ALSO READ: 'Third Term' slate shines at Limpopo ANC elective conference Ridiculous spending Some criticised the spending as exorbitant. 'We are lining the streets of Polokwane every morning looking for jobs. Others are sleeping in thatch and mud houses years after empty promises from government to build us RDP houses. 'Roads are riddled with potholes, water is scarce in villages and townships while litter fills our streets. 'This money could have been best used to change the lives of our people in communities,' said Christopher Matlou of the Blouberg subregion. The conference elected Polokwane mayor John Mpe as chair for the region for a third term, Masilo Edward Paya as deputy chair, Lesiba Matsemela as secretary, Kholofelo Lehong as deputy secretary and Merriam Molala as regional treasurer. ANC spokesperson for the region Adolph Rapetsoa would neither confirm, nor deny the cost of the conference. He said they were still working out how much was spent and how much was owed to service providers. NOW READ: Will new ANC faction take over in Limpopo?
Hospitality Net
20-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Radisson Hotel Group Launches First Two Verified Net Zero Hotels
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce its first two hotels to achieve Verified Net Zero status, achieving 2040 requirements of the Net Zero Methodology for Hotels today. The properties in Oslo and Manchester are taking steps to eliminate Scope 1 & 2 emissions, significantly reduce Scope 3 emissions, aligned with the GHG protocol, and remove the remaining footprint with Nature Based Solutions. The achievement is unique, as the alignment with the Net Zero Methodology for Hotels is verified by a third party, TÜV Rheinland. With the launch of two Verified Net Zero Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group is setting the gold standard for sustainable hospitality. The existing Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre is renovated to Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, completing its transition on 19th May 2025. The current Park Inn by Radisson Oslo City Centre will be renovated to Radisson RED Oslo City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, and will be in operation as of the beginning of July 2025. Net Zero actions in carbon footprint Scopes 1, 2 and 3 The Verified Net Zero program is comprehensive and includes the carbon footprint from energy use (Scopes 1 & 2 as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol or GHG) as well as the hotel's operational and supply chain footprint (Scope 3). Actions include the use of 100% renewable energy, achieved through electrification of hotels and/or the purchase of 100% renewable energy for all hotel functions from heating, cooling, hot water to cooking and spa & pool facilities. Next to overhauling operations to minimize waste, Radisson Hotel Group has re-evaluated its supply chains with a focus on Food & Beverage, and other sources of emissions such as hotel related transportation to minimize emissions. All remaining emissions are compensated using Nature Based carbon credits from carbon removal in partnership with Agreena, the largest soil carbon program in Europe, supporting over 2,300 farmers to regenerate more than 4.5 million hectares of European farmland. Radisson Hotel Group aims to become Net Zero by 2050. While the move is easier in new build properties, the reality is that 80% of the buildings that need to become Net Zero by 2050 are already built. We believe it is critical to move as fast as possible with these existing buildings. Today, we are demonstrating that Net Zero conversion hotels are possible. In a conversion approach, the Manchester and Oslo hotels prove that non-sustainable hotels can become high performing asset classes with a positive impact on the planet. This approach needs to be serious and verified. And we are doing so with TÜV Rheinland. These Verified Net Zero hotels bring the future forward and offer guests the pinnacle of sustainable stays. Federico J. González, Executive Vice Chairman at Radisson Hotel Group How guests will experience Verified Net Zero during their stay The opportunity to stay at a Verified Net Zero property allows guests to become part of a forward-thinking movement that combines comfort and innovation with sustainability. Verified Net Zero properties do this through three key features: 100% renewable energy, low-carbon menus, and by being a minimal waste hotel. Radisson Hotel Group's Verified Net Zero properties give guests the unique opportunity to stay in a hotel knowing their stay has a net zero carbon footprint. Using 100% renewable energy sources means that Verified Net Zero hotels do not depend on using environmentally damaging fossil fuels for heating, cooling, hot water, and cooking. The Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, has installed heat pumps to generate hot water. Together with a fully electrified kitchen using induction cooking, the hotel is entirely eliminating gas use. Because the hotel buys 100% renewable electricity, none of the electricity used at the hotel comes from fossil fuels. The Radisson RED Oslo City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, is powered by a combination of renewable electricity and heating provided by the city. Oslo is one of the few cities in Europe to use fully renewable energy for its district heating by using renewable heat generated from multiple sources such as city waste treatment, or data centers. Radisson Hotel Group partnered with Klimato – a specialized partner from Sweden – to develop low-carbon menus by analyzing the entire food offering for in-room dining menus, M&E menus and the breakfast buffet, curating recipes to lower their overall carbon footprint. Guests are informed by clear labels, ranking recipes' carbon footprints from A (best) to E (worst). Menus focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients while reducing recipe carbon footprints up to 40%, without compromising on taste. New measures are in place to minimize waste based on the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle principles. Guests can rest assured a maximum of the waste will be avoided or recycled, and none of the waste goes to landfill. To enhance recycling and minimize waste, Verified Net Zero hotels: Use kitchen food waste management software – eSmiley – which tracks the weight of food leftovers on plates when they return to the kitchen, updating menu portions and ingredients to minimize waste Offer unused ingredients on the social innovation platform Too Good to Go – providing the community with tasty affordable meals avoiding readymade meals going to waste Recycle coffee pods in partnership with Nespresso Provide glass water bottles in guest and conference rooms, as opposed to PET plastic Offer recycling bins in all guestrooms and main public areas including the lobby and conference rooms Conduct waste audits to ensure high accuracy of recycling throughout the hotel Reduce paper use with the Stay E-concierge app which displays hotel bookable services, and provide online check-in, check-out, and e-invoicing Use 100% bulk bathroom amenities and recycle the packaging with Clean the World Adopt plastic free dry amenities and implement a program to minimize wastage of accessory amenities With the opening of our first two Verified Net Zero hotels, Radisson Hotel Group demonstrates its commitment to Net Zero 2050, and to showcasing truly sustainable hospitality. For the first time, we focus on reducing emissions from energy, operations and the supply chain. As we face the evolving challenge of climate change, Radisson Hotel Group is taking an essential step in reshaping the future of hospitality, one Verified Net Zero hotel at a time. Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability & Security Officer at Radisson Hotel Group Re-opening of Radisson Net Zero Hotel Manchester City Centre Following the refurbishment of the Park Inn by Radisson property, Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, brings a rebranded/upgraded hospitality experience, located just steps from the AO Arena and Manchester Victoria train station. The hotel provides the perfect location for those visiting the renowned AO Arena - a leading music, events and entertainment venue - either as a place to enjoy a sustainable stay or somewhere to enjoy dinner & drinks before heading to a show. The neighboring Manchester Victoria station has connections both locally across the Greater Manchester region and nationally, including linking the city with London in just over two hours. The clean and modern Scandinavian-inspired design of Radisson is ready to be experienced in all 252 guest rooms and suites, providing balance, wellbeing and a calming environment, featuring neutral tones and natural design elements. A welcoming bar and restaurant offers guests a variety of dishes and an outdoor terrace, ensuring a memorable stay for both leisure and business visitors. The hotel is tailored for groups and family get-togethers, with rooms featuring two double beds as well as open-plan spaces for relaxing and socializing. Guests can unwind in the tranquil spa, with a range of beauty treatments on offer as well as enjoying the heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Additionally, the hotel's state-of-the-art event facilities provide capacity for up to 220 attendees, making it the perfect venue for a wide range of meetings or celebrations. Within a few minutes' walk of the hotel sits Manchester's finest shopping, cultural and leisure destinations, including Selfridges, Corn Exchange Manchester, Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum. About Radisson Hotel Group Radisson Hotel Group is one of the world's largest hotel groups with nine distinctive hotel brands, and more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in 120 countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson Hotel Group portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards is our international rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to our guests. Radisson Rewards offers an exceptional experience for our guests, meeting planners, and travel agents at over 550 hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to stringent health and safety requirements, as outlined in the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol. More than 100,000 team members work at Radisson Hotel Group and at the hotels licensed to operate in its systems. For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Sky News
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Police 'made smoke grenade error' before Glasgow hotel attacker was shot and killed, inquiry hears
Armed police mistakenly used a smoke grenade instead of a stun grenade while responding to an attacker who stabbed six people before being shot and killed, an inquiry has heard. Badreddin Abdalla Adam Bosh attacked three asylum seekers, two staff members and a police officer at the Park Inn hotel in Glasgow on 26 June 2020, during the COVID lockdown. The 28-year-old asylum seeker, from Sudan, was shot by police and died in the incident in West George Street. A preliminary hearing ahead of a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the incident heard specialist firearms officers were deployed and used a smoke grenade while searching the building for Bosh. The inquiry heard that while this may have affected communications between those at the scene and in the police control room, it did not contribute to the death of Bosh. Shelagh McCall KC, representing the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) and a number of anonymous officers, said the smoke grenade caused a fire alarm to be activated in the hotel. That may have affected communications between officers, staff and residents at the scene, and communications in the control room where people were listening on the radio, she added. "A smoke grenade was entirely inappropriate to the situation," Ms McCall told the hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday. "A stun grenade was the intention." Ms McCall said an officer selected the wrong device from the gun safe and another then detonated it in the building "not appreciating that it was the wrong kind of device". She asked for the two officers, who are on a list of witnesses, and five others to be granted anonymity. Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin, Aisha Anwar, agreed to grant anonymity orders for the seven - comprising firearms and tactical firearms officers - who will be referred to only by a number. Ms Anwar offered her condolences to friends and family of Bosh, saying there will be "chapters of evidence that will be difficult for his family and friends to hear and reliving the events... will be traumatic" for those he injured. "This inquiry will do all it can to ensure the difficult chapters of evidence are handled sensitively," she added. The inquiry has 83 people currently on the witness list. Solicitor Advocate Alan Cameron said it was too early to say how long the FAI might last or to fix a date for it to begin. A further preliminary hearing will take place on 23 June. Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than apportion blame. The FAI will determine the cause of death; the circumstances in which it occurred; and to establish what reasonable precautions could have been taken to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances. A previous investigation by the procurator fiscal found the .
Sky News
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Smoke grenade error by police before Glasgow hotel attacker was shot and killed, inquiry hears
Police mistakenly used a smoke grenade instead of a stun grenade while responding to an attacker who stabbed six people before being shot and killed, an inquiry has heard. Badreddin Abdalla Adam Bosh attacked three asylum seekers, two staff members and a police officer at the Park Inn hotel in Glasgow on 26 June 2020, during the COVID lockdown. The 28-year-old asylum seeker, from Sudan, was shot by police and died in the incident in West George Street. A preliminary hearing ahead of a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the incident heard specialist firearms officers were deployed and used a smoke grenade while searching the building for Bosh. The inquiry heard that while this may have affected communications between those at the scene and in the police control room, it did not contribute to the death of Bosh. Shelagh McCall KC, representing the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) and a number of anonymous officers, said the smoke grenade caused a fire alarm to be activated in the hotel. That may have affected communications between officers, staff and residents at the scene, and communications in the control room where people were listening on the radio, she added. "A smoke grenade was entirely inappropriate to the situation," Ms McCall told the hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday. "A stun grenade was the intention." Ms McCall said an officer selected the wrong device from the gun safe and another then detonated it in the building "not appreciating that it was the wrong kind of device". She asked for the two officers, who are on a list of witnesses, and five others to be granted anonymity. Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin, Aisha Anwar, agreed to grant anonymity orders for the seven - comprising firearms and tactical firearms officers - who will be referred to only by a number. Ms Anwar offered her condolences to friends and family of Bosh, saying there will be "chapters of evidence that will be difficult for his family and friends to hear and reliving the events... will be traumatic" for those he injured. "This inquiry will do all it can to ensure the difficult chapters of evidence are handled sensitively," she added. The inquiry has 83 people currently on the witness list. Solicitor Advocate Alan Cameron said it was too early to say how long the FAI might last or to fix a date for it to begin. A further preliminary hearing will take place on 23 June. Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than apportion blame. The FAI will determine the cause of death; the circumstances in which it occurred; and to establish what reasonable precautions could have been taken to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances. A previous investigation by the procurator fiscal found the .
