In a significant development for the commercial construction industry in Ottawa, a recent groundbreaking ceremony marked the official commencement of construction on the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Ottawa. The event was held at the site of the Rideau Carleton Casino, where the new destination is set to rise. Dignitaries and Hard Rock International representatives were present to celebrate this occasion, wielding Hard Rock's signature guitar-handled shovels.
Set to be Canada's first Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the state-of-the-art facility promises a range of attractions. These include:
- 150-room Hard Rock Hotel
- 22 suites
- Expanded casino
- 1,500 slot machines
- 40 live-action table games
- 1,800-seat Hard Rock Live theatre
- Over 10 dining and drinking establishments including the award-winning Hard Rock Cafe and Council Oak Steakhouse
- Retail outlets like the Rock Shop and Unity Store
This development marks a significant milestone for Hard Rock International, as acknowledged by Jon Lucas, the company's Chief Operating Officer. Lucas expressed his excitement about the prospect of bringing the iconic Hard Rock brand to Ottawa and extended his gratitude to provincial and municipal elected officials, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for their support in making this project possible.
Despite delays due to the pandemic, the completion of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is now slated for Spring 2025. During the construction phase, the Rideau Carleton Casino will continue to operate, and its rebranding will occur concurrently with the renovation of the property.
PR Newswire states that the city of Ottawa and the surrounding region are abuzz with anticipation of the new facility. Helen MacMillan, General Manager of Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock, echoed this sentiment, stating the team's enthusiasm for the progress made on this project and the expectation of its transformative impact on Ottawa's entertainment and tourism landscape.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is not just a significant investment in entertainment and tourism; it's also a major economic driver. The $350 million construction project, one of the largest private investment developments currently in Ottawa, is expected to create nearly 1,900 direct and indirect construction and ongoing employment opportunities. Moreover, it is set to generate substantial tax revenues for the City of Ottawa, the Province of Ontario, and the federal government, both during construction and after becoming operational.
Mayor of the City of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliffe, affirmed that the development would boost job creation and augment the existing attraction at Rideau Carleton Casino. He expressed optimism about residents and tourists alike enjoying the new facility, which will add to Ottawa's tourist attractions.
The project also underscores Hard Rock's commitment to supporting local communities. During the groundbreaking ceremony, a $20,000 donation was made to Minwaashin Lodge, a local Indigenous women's shelter. This gesture reaffirms Hard Rock International's dedication to fostering the economic and social well-being of the community through supporting local businesses and community organizations, a commitment that is anticipated to expand in line with the growth of the facility.
In summary, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa embodies a promising addition to the commercial construction landscape in Ottawa. It will not only revitalize the city's entertainment and tourism sectors but also contribute to its economic growth and community development. The construction sector and the city of Ottawa look forward to the completion of this landmark project in Spring 2025.
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