The Corporation of Hamilton has kept plans for a hotel proposed for the City from moving forward, Premier Ewart Brown has stated.

Asked for an update on the 140-room St. Regis earmarked for the corner of Par-la-Ville Road and Church Street, Dr. Brown said the Corporation was behind its delay.

"The St. Regis has run into a technical snag with the Corporation of Hamilton," he said. "They are still interested in moving that forward."

Dr. Brown, who is also Tourism Minister, said he expected the issue would be resolved.

He added that the company behind the project was encouraged by recent legislation allowing exempt companies to purchase fractional units at hotels.

Asked about Dr. Brown's assertions yesterday, a Corporation spokesman said: "At this time it is inappropriate for the City of Hamilton to provide a comment on this topic."

Vice president of developers Par-la-Ville Hotel and Residence Ltd. Donal Smith, said he was overseas and unable to comment.

Earlier this year Corporation Alderman Pamela Ferreira said groundbreaking would take place between July 31 and December 31 this year.

In November 2007 the Corporation signed a deal to develop a five-star Ritz Carlton on the site of the Par-la-Ville car park.

Last June Premier Brown announced the exclusive five-star hotel and residence development would now be part of the St. Regis brand.

Plans for the hotel feature 80 residences in addition to the 40 rooms and suites.