Canada Select - www.canadaselect.com
"Canada Select" is an industry led, consumer sensitive rating program, developed for the purpose of providing the travelling public with a national consistent standard of quality within categories of accommodation.
Canada Select inspects and rates all participating properties to ensure they meet consumer expectations. Ratings are based on extent and quality of facilities, services and amenities. The higher the star rating, the more extensive are the facilities, guest services and amenities.
How was Canada Select Developed?
"Canada Select" was developed after extensive consumer research into what was expected and considered important at various star levels and categories of accommodations. Presently nine provinces and one territory are delivering the "Canada Select" program. Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Manitoba and the Yukon.
As can be appreciated, comparing a hotel to a bed and breakfast would be like comparing apples and oranges. Current consumer research indicates that roofed accommodations should have six distinct categories.
Each accommodation category is comprised of properties having similar characteristics; however, actual facilities, amenities and services may vary.
The six categories are:
How is a Property Rated?
Once a property has been categorized it is evaluated for physical quality of the property, content of facilities, services and amenities provided. All properties, regardless of their star level, must also meet stringent cleanliness and state of repair guidelines.
Each category and star level has distinct criteria which must be achieved.
A star rating from (1 to 5, in ½ star increments), is awarded based on the results of the evaluation. Each star level reflects specific consumer expectations.
A one star rating reflects that a property is clean and comfortable and has met or exceeded nationally accepted criteria in the areas of facilities, services, amenities and quality of the accommodation. Additional stars are awarded depending on the extent of facilities, services, amenities and quality of accommodations.
Where the quality of facilities is superior, a property may be awarded a half-star above its criteria rating, ie. a two star property may warrant a 2½ star rating, depending on the overall quality assessment.
The following are the star rating descriptions:
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At this level, guests should expect clean and well-maintained accommodations providing the necessary facilities for an enjoyable stay. Criteria includes standards such as room size, window screens and coverings, clothes storage, linens, door lock, smoke detector, and parking facilities.
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This level equates to what is popularly considered "mid-range" accommodation. It exceeds the 1 star level in quality of mattress, bed linen, floors/window/wall coverings, and in provision of bedside and seating area lighting, additional room furniture, and parking space.
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These properties will offer larger units with additional room furniture, coordinated furnishings, better quality mattresses and linens, and will be equipped with clock/alarm, extra amenities in washrooms, etc. Private baths for all BB rooms is a requirement for a 3 star and higher rating. Three star properties offer above average facilities and services.
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This rating indicates exceptional quality in all areas of facilities and services offering superior quality throughout the property in areas of guestrooms, bath and common areas. The property typically provides laundry/valet service as well as many additional amenities.
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A 5 star property is luxurious at a world standard, offering outstanding facilities, guest service and amenities.
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Remember, although in many provinces the Canada Select program is voluntary, some provinces have mandatory licensing requirements which are administered in conjunction or separate from the rating program. In these provinces, properties MUST be licensed prior to obtaining a rating. In order to be in a position to be rated, a property must obtain the "1" star level in areas of facility requirements (clean, comfortable accommodations). Properties which do not obtain this level cannot be rated.
What are the benefits of "Canada Select" to the Owner/Operator?
- Provides an effective marketing tool.
Extensive Advertising and Promotional Campaigns inform consumers of the "Canada Select" program. Star ratings are published, with the operator’s consent, in provincial tourism literature, providing participating properties international and domestic exposure as preferred properties.
A new marketing strategy has been developed to further enhance consumer awareness of Canada Select properties. All Canada Select properties may use the Canada Select logo in its marketing and is provided Canada Select signage as part of the rating fee.
- Improves Industry Standards
Evaluation and rating of properties ensures and enhances minimum standards and stimulates improvements.
- Assists in the development of policy.
An inventory of accommodations, coupled with research on market mix, assists industry and government in the development of policies and strategies to help industry grow.
Consumer Benefits
- "No surprise is the best surprise."
- Provides Accurate Information consistent from coast to coast, "Canada Select's" national rating standard provides reliable information to the travelling public on what to expect from a roofed accommodation.
For more information on the Canada Select Program and to find rated properties across the country, visit www.canadaselect.com
