Because there has been so much in social media lately about the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, and there seems to be a disconnect between the hotel's explanations and the computer renderings of the proposed look, I contacted the manager of the hotel. We had a long chat and he indicated that the computer program for the renderings were a simplification and did not include all of the historic detail that will most definitely be preserved.
For example, the historic glassed-in balcony overlooking Confederation Lounge will remain, although it appears to have disappeared in the rendering. (I personally think it was a mistake to post those renderings because they lack important historic details and therefore are not representative of reality). Mr. Turta explained that the only changes will be to furniture, carpet and lighting, and those will be carefully reviewed to reflect the history of the hotel.