The Wei Wai Kum First Nation is preparing to mark the beginning of construction on a major new waterfront hotel project in Campbell River.

A traditional land blessing and groundbreaking ceremony for the Tapestry Collection by Hilton is set for September 11th at 10 a.m.

The hotel is planned to have 140 guest rooms, a 10-thousand-square-foot spa and wellness facility, and 5-thousand square feet of meeting and event space.

Plans also call for a full-service waterfront restaurant and rooftop space overlooking Campbell River.

The ceremony will take place at the waterfront site in front of Discovery Harbour Marina, next to Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre.

Wei Wai Kum Chief Councillor Chris Roberts and Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl are expected to attend, along with elected and hereditary leaders, community members, project partners, and other invited guests.

The ceremony will include a traditional cultural land blessing, a performance by Wei Wai Kum youth, and the official groundbreaking using a ceremonial hand-carved shovel made by master carver Bill Henderson.

The Wei Wai Kum First Nation says the project is intended to create long-term economic, employment, and tourism opportunities for future generations.