JDass Corp Advances Hospitality and Industrial Growth with Major Ridgetown Development

JDass Corp has launched a major development project in Ridgetown, Ontario. The former Bateman Inn, once a single-storey, 44-room hotel, will be redeveloped to a modern two-storey, 88-room Best Western SureStay with expanded amenities. This property is located on a 22-acre site at Victoria Road and Highway 401. The transformation project reflects JDass Corp’s commitment to hospitality, economic growth, local investment, job creation, and community development.

During the visit to the Ridgetown site, JDass Corp founder Jaswant Dass and company director Ram Dass met with local officials to discuss the development plans. Chatham-Kent’s Director of Economic Development, Stuart McFadden, East Kent councillors John Wright and Morena McDonald, and Ridgetown BIA Chair Jim Brown all expressed strong support for the project.

“This new investment will bring more visitors off Highway 401 and into the Ridgetown area,” said Jim Brown, noting the positive impact it will have on local businesses and job creation. Morena McDonald added, “It’s great to see development like this happening here — it’s one of the biggest things to come to our area in years.” John Wright said the expanded hotel was especially welcome, explaining, “We’ve been short on accommodations for a long time, so this is needed.” Stuart McFadden confirmed that the municipality is working closely with JDass Corp. to finalize site approvals, adding, “It’s a good company, good people, and we’re going to work with them to try and get them across the finish line.” The meeting reflected a shared excitement for growth, opportunity, and renewed investment in East Kent.

Expansion of the Hotel

The original Bateman Inn will be transformed into a two-storey, 88-room hotel. With a fresh design and upgraded infrastructure, the expansion will provide upgraded amenities, positioning the facility as a destination for both leisure and business travellers. In addition to the increased guest capacity, the project includes a meeting hall suitable for conferences, corporate training sessions, wedding receptions and community events. 

New Amenities and Service Facilities

Beyond hotel rooms and event space, JDass Corp’s plan for the site includes a gas bar, convenience store, formal sit-down restaurant and a McDonald’s restaurant facing Highway 401. These facilities are designed to meet the needs of highway travellers, local residents and commercial traffic alike. Moreover, a new truck depot and weigh scale are located behind the south end of the hotel, enhancing logistics infrastructure and further supporting travel-industry needs.

Job Creation and Community Impact

This project is expected to generate nearly 300 new jobs in service and manufacturing roles, particularly in the adjacent industrial complex where a new factory for metal-goods manufacturing will be co-located. This surge in employment will provide a significant economic boost to Ridgetown and surrounding communities. Additional housing demand, business investment and social benefits are anticipated as a result of the project. The creation of service-industry and manufacturing employment strengthens growth and underscores JDass Corp’s role in community development.

Project Scope and Strategic Location

Located on a 22-acre lot at a major highway junction, the site offers high visibility and easy access to the 401 corridor. The strategic placement supports both hospitality and industrial elements of the development. Doubling the hotel room count to 88 rooms ensures sufficient scale for both tourism and business travel. JDass Corp’s decision to integrate hospitality and service infrastructure underlines a forward-looking approach in real estate and development.

Acknowledgement

JDass Corp extends appreciation to Stuart McFadden, Director of Economic Development for Chatham-Kent, Councillors John Wright and Morena McDonald of East Kent, and Jim Brown, Chair of the Ridgetown BIA, for meeting with company representatives during the project discussions. The meeting provided an opportunity to review development plans and discuss the project’s potential impact on the community.

Leadership

The project is being led by Jaswant Dass, Founder and CEO of JDass Corp. Supported by Preet Dass, Chief Operating Officer, Navjot Dass, Managing Director, Ram Dass, Managing Director, and Dikran Zabunyan (Corporate Director of Hospitality), the leadership team continues to strengthen JDass Corp’s presence in hospitality, manufacturing, and real estate investment across Canada. Their vision for the Ridgetown project focuses on creating a modern, high-quality facility that supports both community growth and long-term economic development. Ram Dass described the upcoming hotel as “a state-of-the-art, beautiful facility,” noting that it is expected to open in the spring.

Best Western Brand Expansion 

The former Bateman Inn is being converted into a Best Western SureStay Hotel, marking JDass Corp’s continued collaboration with BWH Hotels. This upcoming conversion follows the successful rebranding of Skye Hotel & Residences in Etobicoke into the Best Western Signature Collection, and the development of Aiden by Best Western Toronto Airport, a design-driven boutique property set to open soon. Each of these projects reflects JDass Corp’s commitment to expanding modern, high-quality hospitality experiences across Ontario.

JDass Corp’s Development Portfolio

JDass Corp is a proudly Canadian, multi-industry investment and operations company with a strong presence in real estate, hospitality, metals manufacturing, retail and entertainment. The company has built a reputation for delivering projects that combine operational excellence, guest service and community benefit. 

Our divisions include:

• Dass Rebar
• Dass Metal Products
• Quick Scrap Metal
• Mississauga Convention Centre
• Food World Supermarket
• Shanty Bay Golf Club
• Hotel Est
• Skye Hotel & Residences
• Meadowvale Apartment Hotel
• The Play Scape

The Ridgetown project aligns with JDass Corp’s vision of transforming properties into vibrant, value-driven assets. With a growing portfolio spanning real estate, hospitality, metals, retail, and investments, JDass Corp continues to build a strong presence across Canada and the United States.

Looking Ahead

With work now underway at the former Bateman Inn site, JDass Corp is setting a new benchmark for development in southwestern Ontario. The hotel expansion, event space, retail amenities and manufacturing jobs create a comprehensive ecosystem of hospitality, travel services and industry. JDass Corp remains focused on delivering value for partners, guests and communities alike. 

– LinkedIn Post : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/j-dass_jdass-jdasscorp-bestwestern-activity
– Check out our feature in the Chatham Voice: https://chathamvoice.com/2025/10/06/bateman-inn-site-of-mega-project/
– Read the article about us in the Penticton Herald : https://www.pentictonherald.ca/spare_news/article_ee0207b8-41f7-5430-9dd3-4abf230c9e10.html

Learn More : http://dass.ca
Call us : +1 (905) 678-9568
Email us : info@dass.ca