Operator News
Canada – Hard Rock wins Ottawa tender
By Lewis - 16 May 2017
Canada’s Rideau Carleton Raceway is to undergo a multimillion-dollar expansion that will bring a hotel, a music venue and hundreds of new jobs to the struggling Ottawa horse racing and gambling facility in the third quarter of 2017.
Following a competitive procurement process, Hard Rock Casino Ottawa, has been selected by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to be the service provider for the Ottawa Area Gaming Bundle 1, transitioning the existing structure and operations into Hard Rock Casino Ottawa. The Hard Rock Casino Ottawa partnership consists of HR LP Investor Inc. (owned by Hard Rock International) and RCR Investor Inc. (owned by Rideau Carleton Raceway Holdings Limited). Pending required approvals, Hard Rock International and RCR plan to potentially invest more than $320m during a multi-phase construction process to ultimately create an integrated entertainment destination incorporating nightlife, world-class gaming and cuisine with the Hard Rock brand.
“We’re thrilled to have been chosen by OLG to create Hard Rock Casino Ottawa,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International. “This is a crucial first step towards a larger strategic vision of our world-class brand’s expansion efforts in Ontario and throughout Canada. We are honoured to partner with RCR, a reputable and longstanding member of the Ottawa community, and look forward to working with both the RCR and OLG team members.”
Together, Hard Rock International and RCR will transform the existing property with a complete remodel, rebrand and significant expansion, leading to an economic development boost. The multi-phase project is expected to potentially create 1,900 construction-related jobs and 2,000 direct and indirect ongoing jobb, plus add 13,000sq.m of gaming space with additional slots and table games.
“We are delighted to bring the iconic Hard Rock International casino operator to Ottawa,” said Andrew Wright, director of Rideau Carleton Raceway. “Rideau Carleton Raceway has partnered with Hard Rock to build a major tourist destination that will offer multi-level entertainment, horse racing, a broader market and substantial economic benefits for all of our employees, patrons, and Ottawa community.”
