Construction has officially started on Ottawa's newest tourism and entertainment destination, the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. A groundbreaking ceremony, with guests using Hard Rock's legendary guitar-handled shovels, was held on June 6 at the Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock where it will host the new state-of-the-art facility. 

From left to right: Steve Desroches, Jim Warren, Duncan Hannay, Goldie Ghamari, Helen MacMillan, Lisa MacLeod, Mark Sutcliffe, Jon Lucas, George Darouze, Andrew Wright

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, a Hard Rock Sportsbook, high-limit gaming, and a Baccarat room
• An 1,800-seat Hard Rock Live theatre with standing room for 2,200 guests
• More than 10 restaurants, bars, and lounges, including the award-winning and iconic Hard Rock Cafe and Council Oak Steakhouse
• Retail outlets that include Rock Shop^® and Unity Store

The completion of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is planned for Spring 2025. Rideau Carleton Casino will continue to operate until the renovation and rebranding of the property to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is complete.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa: 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 currently one of the largest private investment developments in Ottawa. It is expected to create close to 1,900 direct and indirect construction and ongoing employment opportunities in the city of Ottawa. 

Since the gaming site of Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock was added in February 2000, the City of Ottawa has generated approximately $6 million annually with 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 has been invested in local sponsorships and nonprofits, benefiting local communities and the people within.