BREAKING
After years of delays, ground breaks on the future Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Ottawa
It's the opening act, with guitar-shaped shovels in the ground for the future Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa.
Construction has officially started on Ottawa's rebranded casino after years of delays. On Tuesday afternoon, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Rideau Carleton Casino, the site of the new facility.
"We're finally here," said Hard Rock International COO Jon Lucas. "We're excited, we're breaking ground today, and it's a glorious day.
"We're a hospitality company, we are focused on food and beverage, restaurants, hotel, entertainment, nightlife and oh, by the way, we have some gaming too."
The future Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa will be developed on the site of the Rideau Carleton Casino. (Hard Rock/supplied)
According to Hard Rock, the $350-million construction project is expected to create nearly 1,900 direct and indirect construction and ongoing employment opportunities in the city of Ottawa.
"We had members of our team for a couple of hours to talk to them about what's coming, what it's going to look like, and what it's going to mean for them. The excitement is definitely building," Rideau Carleton Casino general manager Helen MacMillan tells CTV News Ottawa.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says the redevelopment will benefit the city.
"Overall, I would say it's huge for the city, and for the south end of the city in particular," he said. "It's big for economic development. Hard Rock is a very well established, successful international brand and the fact that they're choosing to invest in Ottawa is a really encouraging sign."
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 OLG for hosting Rideau Carleton Casino. This amount is expected to rise once the expanded Hard Rock facility is operational, the company says.
WHAT WILL IT FEATURE?
The opening is planned for spring of 2025. The facility will feature a 150-room hotel, including 22 suites; the 1,800-seat "Hard Rock Live" theatre, with standing room for 2,200; and an expanded casino, with 1,500 slot machines, 40 live-action table games, a sportsbook, high-limit gaming and a baccarat room.
The future Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa will be developed on the site of the Rideau Carleton Casino. (Hard Rock/supplied)
The tradition of horse racing at the site will also continue.
"We'll continue racing for sure," says MacMillan.
And if you enjoy a bit of sizzle with your rock, there will also be the "Council Oak Steakhouse," which is among more than 10 restaurants, bars and lounges, including the Hard Rock Cafe.
Hard Rock says memorabilia will also be on display.
The existing Rideau Carleton Casino will remain open during construction of the future Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Ottawa Top Stories
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
EXCLUSIVEEXCLUSIVE New walk-in clinic in Ottawa's south end charging membership fee
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Witness to the 1996 drive-by shooting of Tupac Shakur indicted on murder charge in rapper's death
Las Vegas police have arrested a man in the deadly 1996 drive-by shooting of Tupac Shakur, a long-awaited break in a case that has frustrated investigators and fascinated the public ever since the hip-hop icon was gunned down on the Las Vegas Strip 27 years ago.
Tragedy in real time: The Armenian exodus from Nagorno-Karabakh
For the past five days, vehicles laden with refugees have poured into Armenia, fleeing from the crumbling enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh in neighbouring Azerbaijan. In a special report for CTVNews.ca, journalist Neil Hauer recounts what it's like on the ground in Armenia.
Walking just this much more per day can lower your blood pressure: study
A new study finds walking an additional 3,000 steps per day can significantly reduce high blood pressure in older adults with hypertension.
Missouri high school teacher is put on leave after school officials discover her page on porn site
A Missouri high school teacher says she has been placed on leave after officials discovered that she was performing on a pornography website to supplement her salary.
WATCH
WATCH Canada likely in 'rounding error recession,' more trouble looming: economist
Statistics Canada has released new data about how the economy started off the third quarter, saying the country's GDP remains essentially unchanged. One economist says it highlights an ongoing trend of weak performance.
OPINION
OPINION Don Martin: Poilievre picking wrong fights as Liberals struggle under low morale, support
As morale with Justin Trudeau's Liberals goes down the drain with the party's re-election hopes, all Pierre Poilievre needs to do to win is make sure the drain doesn’t get plugged up with doubts about his leadership, writes Don Martin in an exclusive opinion column for CTVNews.ca.
New York City area under state of emergency after storms flood subways, strand people in cars
A potent rush-hour rainstorm swamped the New York metropolitan area on Friday, shutting down parts of the city's subway system, flooding streets and highways, and delaying flights into LaGuardia Airport.
Restoring housing affordability will take 'years and concerted efforts' short of a housing crash: RBC report
Home ownership became slightly more affordable in the second quarter of the year in Canada but it remains 'impossibly high for many,' a new RBC report says.
Toronto family shocked they have to rip out $20K synthetic grass putting green
A Scarborough family said they were shocked to get a notice from the City of Toronto that the artificial grass in their backyard, including a putting green, will have to be ripped out.
Atlantic
-
'We are sorry': Newfoundland and Labrador makes first apology for residential schools
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey made a solemn apology today to survivors of residential schools in southern Labrador.
-
Students, staff in N.B. work together to recognize Truth and Reconciliation Week
Melanie Doucet is doing her part to make sure her students are well-educated and fully engaged for Truth and Reconciliation Week.
-
N.S. students plant orange flags on the site of former residential school ahead of Truth and Reconciliation Day
More than 500 students from four schools joined the Sipekne’katik community to place orange flags in the shape of a heart on the site of the former Shubenacadie Residential School.
Toronto
-
Mayor of Pickering responds to councillor's 'modern-day slave' comments
The mayor of Pickering is speaking out against city councillor Lisa Robinson (Ward 1), who recently made headlines for calling herself a “modern-day slave” after having her pay suspended for one month due to bullying allegations.
-
What you need to know about Ontario's minimum wage increase on Sunday
Ontario is bumping up the province’s minimum wage to $16.55 an hour starting Sunday. Here is what you need to know about the increase.
-
Mandatory masking is back for staff at several Ontario hospitals
Several Ontario hospitals are bringing back mask mandates for staff with COVID-19 cases on the rise once again – a clear sign the province has entered a new wave, an expert explains.
Montreal
-
Climate protesters block traffic on Park Avenue in front of Mount Royal
Demonstrators descended on Mount Royal Park in Montreal Friday afternoon to denounce the government’s response to climate change.
-
Quebec premier says environmental groups should 'applaud' battery plant project
Premier François Legault has said that environmental groups should "applaud" Swedish company Northvolt's battery plant, even though the project would not be subject to an assessment by the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE).
-
Indigenous daycare, Verdun schools mark Truth and Reconciliation Day
An Indigenous daycare and schools in Verdun took part in a walk Friday morning to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Northern Ontario
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Worker who died at Cote Gold Mine in Gogama was found unconscious
A worker who was found unconscious Friday at the Cote Gold Mine site in Gogama has died, officials said Friday.
-
Week-long search for Bracebridge man ends in tragedy
The man at the centre of a massive police search this week in Bracebridge has been found dead.
-
What you need to know about Ontario's minimum wage increase on Sunday
Ontario is bumping up the province’s minimum wage to $16.55 an hour starting Sunday. Here is what you need to know about the increase.
London
-
Suspect flees from police after uttering death threats, prompts 'code silver' at University Hospital
It was a tense night for police and hospital workers after a Norfolk County man who fled from police after uttering death threats attended a London, Ont. hospital, prompting a code silver situation.
-
'Your tip could make a difference': Owen Sound police, OPP renew appeal to public for information in restaurateur's homicide
Nearly six weeks after a violent assault claimed the life of a beloved restauranteur in Owen Sound, Ont., police are once again appealing to the public for information that could help crack the case.
-
Outrage in Sarnia, Ont. as alleged senior attacker arrested
Sarnia police have arrested a man after a violent attack nearly three months ago left an 81-year-old senior with 'life-altering injuries.'
Winnipeg
-
Teenager abducted at knifepoint and sexually assaulted: Winnipeg police
The Winnipeg Police Service has made an arrest after a teenage girl was abducted and sexually assaulted on Sunday evening.
-
Manitoba reporting $270M surplus for end of fiscal year
Manitoba finance officials are reporting a $270 million surplus for the end of the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
-
1 in 3 Manitobans not voting for PCs due to pandemic response: poll
One-third of Manitobans say the provincial government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has made them not want to vote for the Progressive Conservatives come election day, according to new polling.
Kitchener
-
'Still so many questions': Arrest in Joshua Tarnue murder case brings mixed emotions for family, friends
The family and friends of Joshua Tarnue are left with questions following new police developments in the murder case.
-
Province reveals bridge designs as part of long-delayed Hwy. 7 expansion
A major development in a local infrastructure project has been unveiled by the province.
-
Ceremonies held at UW to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day
The day started with a sunrise ceremony and a polishing ceremony. A feast, a circle dance and a walk around Ring Road are also planned.
Calgary
-
Survey suggests 4 in 10 Albertans will skip COVID-19, flu vaccinations this fall
New survey data is projecting that fewer Albertans will be rolling up their sleeves for immunizations this fall, suggesting that "vaccine fatigue" is stronger than ever in the province.
-
Banff encouraging residents to remove fruit trees after dining grizzly bluff charges people
The Town of Banff is urging residents to remove their fruit trees after reports a grizzly dining on crab apples in residential yards began bluff charging people.
-
Biosand Filter, a life-saving invention from Calgarian David Manz, turns 30
The Biosand Filter is celebrating thirty years of providing clean drinking water to communities in the developing world.
Saskatoon
-
Prince Albert police officer faces assault charges
A Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) officer is facing charges in connection with two separate incidents.
-
Saskatoon woman slashed twice in confrontation with machete-wielding youth
A Saskatoon woman is recovering after a harrowing incident in front of a city library in September.
-
WATCH
WATCH Canada likely in 'rounding error recession,' more trouble looming: economist
Statistics Canada has released new data about how the economy started off the third quarter, saying the country's GDP remains essentially unchanged. One economist says it highlights an ongoing trend of weak performance.
Edmonton
-
Driver charged after going 97 km/h over the speed limit: RCMP
An Alberta driver was ticketed for going 97 kilometres over the speed limit, police say.
-
Edmonton's Queen Elizabeth Planetarium reopens after 40 years
Edmonton's Queen Elizabeth Planetarium is open again after years of restoration work.
-
2 arrested after kidnapping at gunpoint in Lloydminster: police
Two men who were described as "armed and dangerous" by police have been arrested.
Vancouver
-
B.C. RCMP officer who shot man after being bear sprayed won’t face criminal charges
An officer who shot a man in the booking area of the Prince George RCMP detachment last year will not face criminal charges, according to B.C.'s police watchdog.
-
5 events to commemorate National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Vancouver
Here are five things to do in Vancouver this weekend to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
-
Missing woman involved in B.C. murder trial found dead
The search for Tracy Pickett, who had been missing since Tuesday, has ended tragically.
Regina
-
Two people critically injured, 2 charged with attempted murder after stabbing in Moose Jaw
Two men have now been charged with attempted murder after a stabbing incident involving a machete in Moose Jaw, police said.
-
Former Cowessess First Nation Chief says Sask.'s younger generations making most strides with truth and reconciliation
With Sept. 30 marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation the former Chief of Cowessess First Nation says it’s Saskatchewan’s young people leading the way.
-
WATCH
WATCH Canada likely in 'rounding error recession,' more trouble looming: economist
Statistics Canada has released new data about how the economy started off the third quarter, saying the country's GDP remains essentially unchanged. One economist says it highlights an ongoing trend of weak performance.
