Construction begins on future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa

A groundbreaking ceremony, with guests using Hard Rock's legendary guitar-handled shovels, was held yesterday at Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock, the site of the new state-of-the-art facility.

Hard Rock International representatives, elected officials, and business and community leaders shared the exciting details of Canada's first Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which will include:

• A 150-room Hard Rock Hotel, including 22 suites

• An expanded Hard Rock Casino with 1,500 slot machines, 40 live-action table games, Sportsbook, high-limit gaming and a Baccarat room

• A 1,800-seat Hard Rock Live theatre with standing room for 2,200

• More than 10 restaurants, bars and lounges, including the award-winning and iconic Hard Rock Café and Council Oak Steakhouse

• Rock Shop and Unity Store

"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," says Jon Lucas, chief operating officer, 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."

The completion of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is planned for the spring of 2025. Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock will remain open 24/7 during construction. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is an entertainment and tourism economic driver for the City. 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 one of the largest private investment developments currently in Ottawa. 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 build on the existing attraction at Rideau Carleton Casino," says Mark Sutcliffe, mayor of Ottawa. "I know many residents of the city are looking forward to enjoying this space and it will also be another great tourist attraction in Ottawa."

Since the gaming site was added in February 2000, the City of Ottawa has received approximately $6 million annually and over $93 million in total payments from the OLG for hosting Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock within the national capital region. This amount is expected to rise once the expanded facility is fully operational. An additional $1 million plus per year is invested in local sponsorships and nonprofits, benefiting local communities and the people within.

"This is an exciting day for the City of Ottawa and our colleagues at Hard Rock, and a proud day for OLG!" says Duncan Hannay, OLG CEO & president. "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. It is also National Indigenous History Month and 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."

Connected to community

As part of the ceremony, Rideau Carleton Casino, Future 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," says MacMillan. "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." Hard Rock International, which is wholly owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, is fully committed to supporting local and Indigenous organizations through charitable donations, sponsorships and partnerships.