Hard Rock targeting 2025 opening date for expanded and rebranded Ottawa hotel and casino

Construction has officially started on Ottawa's upcoming new gaming destination, the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. A groundbreaking ceremony, with guests using signature Hard Rock's guitar-handled shovels, was held on June 6 at the Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino, where the new "state-of-the-art" property will be built. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by spring 2025.

As part of its service agreement with the OLGC, Hard Rock took over the day-to-day operations of Rideau Carleton Casino in September 2017. As it has done elsewhere, Hard Rock is seeking to rebrand the property. While that project was delayed amid the pandemic, the construction plans are now set to move forward.

Hard Rock International representatives, elected officials, and business and community leaders shared details of what is set to be Canada's first Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which will include an expanded casino with 1,500 slot machines, 40 live-action table games, a Hard Rock Sportsbook, high-limit gaming, and a Baccarat room.

The facility will also feature a 150-room Hard Rock Hotel, including 22 suites; a 1,800 Hard Rock Live theatre with standing room for 2,200 guests; and more than 10 restaurants, bars, and lounges, as well as retail outlets. The Rideau Carleton Casino will continue to operate until the renovation and rebranding of the property to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is complete.

"We are excited to be one step closer to bringing our iconic brand and rich music history to the people of Ottawa and the surrounding region," said Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer at Hard Rock International.

"I wish to thank the provincial and municipal elected officials who helped us get here today. We are especially grateful to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), who have been incredibly supportive in helping make this possible. We appreciate our partnership with them," he added.

"It's finally happening!" said Helen MacMillan, General Manager of Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock. "After experiencing delays due to the pandemic, we are extremely excited to be making concrete progress on our plans to bring this amazing facility to life for our guests and team members and for Ottawa's residents and visitors!"

As part of the ceremony, Hard Rock presented a $20,000 donation to Minwaashin Lodge, a local Indigenous women's shelter.

"Nothing is more important to us than contributing to the economic and social well-being of our community," MacMillan noted. "As we officially kick off our expansion today, we want to make it clear that as our facility grows, so too will our efforts to support local businesses and community organizations."

The new facility is expected to generate significant tax revenues for the City of Ottawa, the Province of Ontario, and the federal government during construction and once fully operational.

The $350 million construction project is described as one of the largest private investment developments currently in Canada's capital. It is expected to create close to 1,900 direct and indirect construction and ongoing employment opportunities in the city of Ottawa. 

"The new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino represents a significant investment in the south end of our city. It will create new jobs and will build on the existing attraction at Rideau Carleton Casino," said Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of the City of Ottawa. "I know many residents of the city are looking forward to enjoying this space, and it will also be another great addition as a tourist attraction in Ottawa."

Duncan Hannay, OLG CEO & President, commented: "This is an exciting day for the City of Ottawa and our colleagues at Hard Rock and a proud day for OLG! The plans we are advancing here and with our other land-based gaming partners are providing real, local benefits and will support the long-term vibrancy and excitement of the casino experience in Ottawa, and across Ontario, for years to come."

"With it also being National Indigenous History Month in Canada, OLG is committed to building new pathways of understanding, respect, and action with our Indigenous and Tribal partners to advance the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. This is an important way that we at OLG continue to 'Play for Ontario,'" he concluded.