Slightly behind schedule but still on course, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess should see major renovations swing into action next year.

Plans for the multi-million-dollar revamp of the city site are well advanced.

But vice-president, general manager Michael Kaile indicated changes will be methodical while the hotel remains open.

And he said progress would also depend on how industry partners -- Government, unions and staff -- "buy in'' to the project.

The speed at which the work is completed could also rely upon demand in the construction industry.

He added backing from all sections of the community was seen as essential to the success of the plans, which will start next year and run through 2001 and beyond.

Meanwhile, Fairmont is also planning to pump up to $50 million into their Southampton Princess resort -- eventually putting both hotels on a par with the rest of Fairmont accommodations worldwide.

At the Hamilton Princess, Mr. Kaile said the renovation programme will also coincide with a repositioning of the hotel in marketing terms, tailoring specific products to particular markets.

And all the work, physical and otherwise, will meld with the future direction of the veteran hotel, he said.

"As we look forward to 2000, there is an indication that we will be ready to discuss how we see the hotel unfolding over the next few years,'' Mr. Kaile said. "This is a long-term business. There never has been a short-term fix.'' Approval pending, work could begin during the summer and continue into 2001.

The hotel's Tiara restaurant has already closed, allowing work to start on the eastern section of the waterfront facility.

On the South Shore, the former Southampton Princess will include new amenities such as a spa complex and pool area.

In addition, a special "five star'' area for discerning guests, called Entree Gold, will be established on the sixth floor -- giving those visitors a luxury hotel within a hotel.

The Whaler Inn beach area will be enlarged, with a bigger sunbathing section and a new, improved DolphinQuest centre, which was wrecked during Hurricane Gert's near miss in September.