Hard Rock Hotel and Casino [form Rideau Carleton Raceway and Casino] | Completed

[J.OT13]

‘Boost to local economy’: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino filling 600 jobs in Ottawa

By Toula Mazloum, CTV Ottawa
Published: April 19, 2025 at 12:47PM EDT

A new hotel and casino in Ottawa is creating more than 600 positions across a variety of fields, which is a boost to the capital’s economy.

Hard Rock Ottawa is hosting multiple job fair events to fill the open positions.

“It’s equivalent to an audition, something that you would see on Canada’s Got Talent,” vice-president of human resources Nannette Dean told CTV Morning Live Monday.

he says the job fairs’ format is made of four stages:

1. Registration and pre-screening
2. Panel interview to assess personality
3. One-on-one interview to assess skills
4. On the spot offer

All the departments will be hiring for positions, including customer service, food and beverage, hotel services, table games, marketing, security, surveillance, slots, retail and valet, Dean explains.

“And we’re hiring from entry level all the way up to supervisory and management roles at the career fairs,” Dean said.


When asked about what it’s like to work at the Hard Rock, Rami Zok, vice-president of hotel operations, said it’s all about fun.

He says that Hard Rock is a global company with over 300 locations worldwide.

The complex is currently under construction, he says, noting that the structures of the hotel and the casino have been built.

“Very soon we’ll be announcing the opening date,” he added.

Zok says the opening of the hotel and casino will bring life to the capital.

Concordia University economics professor Moshe Lander told CTV News Ottawa Saturday the opening of the new hotel and casino is good news for Ottawa, pointing out the importance of permanent jobs.

“For tourism to have a true impact on downtown Ottawa and the market, it needs to come with permanent jobs,” Lander said.

“(Creating) 600 stable positions is a great boost to the local economy as long as the workers can find their own suitable housing, family doctors, schools for their children and easy, affordable public transportation.”

The hiring events are taking place April 22 and May 6,7 and 22 at the Rideau Carleton Casino located at 4837 Albion Road.

More information is available at rideaucarletoncasino.com/careers.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/articl...obs-in-ottawa/

[J.OT13]

First event will be the PWHL Draft: https://www.ledroit.com/sports/hocke...PFHM4HRMPWXNY/

[harls]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Concordia University economics professor Moshe Lander told CTV News Ottawa Saturday the opening of the new hotel and casino is good news for Ottawa, pointing out the importance of permanent jobs.

“For tourism to have a true impact on downtown Ottawa and the market, it needs to come with permanent jobs,” Lander said.

Too bad it isn't downtown, Mr. Concordia University.

[zzptichka]

Originally Posted by harls

Too bad it isn't downtown, Mr. Concordia University.

Yeah I'm not sure if it's a sarcasm or satire or what. The guy probably has no idea where new casino is located. We don't have any economics professors in Ottawa?

[phil235]

Originally Posted by zzptichka

Yeah I'm not sure if it's a sarcasm or satire or what. The guy probably has no idea where new casino is located. We don't have any economics professors in Ottawa?

I'm sure Ian Lee would be happy to comment.

[J.OT13]

This will undoubtably have ZERO impact on the Downtown economy or tourism.

[harls]

Originally Posted by zzptichka

Yeah I'm not sure if it's a sarcasm or satire or what. The guy probably has no idea where new casino is located. We don't have any economics professors in Ottawa?

Poor journalism is my guess.

[rocketphish]

Hard Rock Ottawa officially set to open in July

Mia Jensen, OBJ
June 9, 2025

Hard Rock Ottawa officially has an opening date.

The new hotel and casino said Monday that it will open its doors July 3, eight years after it was first announced that the international brand would take over the Rideau Carleton Casino.

The company said in a press release that the Ottawa location is the first fully integrated Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Canada and that it hopes the property will bring “a bold new energy to the city.”

“Ottawa is a milestone moment for us,” Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, said in the release. “It’s our first fully integrated resort in Canada and a key step in our global growth strategy.”

The project was first announced in May 2017 with a $320-million budget. After multiple delays, including changes to the original plan and challenges due to COVID-19, shovels broke ground on the site in June 2023.

In March of this year, Christine Crump, president of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa, welcomed OBJ for a behind-the-scenes look at the renovations.

Ultimately, the entertainment complex cost $350 million and features a six-storey hotel with 150 guest rooms and 22 suites and a 150,000-square-foot entertainment and gaming space with 1,500 slot machines, 40 table games and a high-limit gaming area.

The property also features an 1,800-seat live performance venue as well as 10 restaurants and bars that include the Hard Rock Cafe and Council Oak Steaks & Seafood.

In the release, Christine Crump, president of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa, said the opening date marked the beginning of festivities that will be “infused with legendary Hard Rock energy.”

“This is more than a launch — it’s the start of something incredible for our city; our capital!” she said.

According to the press release, construction is “nearing completion” while Hard Rock continues operating the existing casino. Renovation on that space, it said, will begin once the new facility opens, with plans for the original building to be fully renovated and integrated by the end of the year.

https://obj.ca/hard-rock-ottawa-offi...-open-in-july/

[J.OT13]

Least exciting project in Ottawa right now.

[rocketphish]

Here’s who will perform at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa during the opening week

By Josh Pringle, CTV News
Published: June 17, 2025 at 8:00AM EDT

Avril Lavigne and David Foster and Katharine McPhee will headline the opening week of entertainment at the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa.

The new hotel and entertainment complex on Albion Road, with a 150-room hotel and the Hard Rock Live performance venue with a capacity for up to 2,200 people, will open to the public on July 3.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa announced Tuesday that the first show at the venue will be David Foster and Katharine McPhee on July 3.

On July 5, Avril Lavigne will perform at Hard Rock Live.

“We knew opening weekend had to be unforgettable — and this lineup delivers,” Christine Crump, President of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa, said in a statement.

“Two nights. Three major artists. One venue ready to make history. This is the start of something remarkable for our nation’s capital!”

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa says there will be limited public ticket availability to see Foster and McPhee.

Tickets for both shows go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m. Details and updates on events are available at www.hardrockottawa.com.

“Having David Foster, Katharine McPhee and Avril Lavigne as the first acts to perform on the Hard Rock Live stage signals the level of talent this venue is built for,” Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment and Brand Management at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming, said in a statement. “This lineup is a perfect example of the world-renowned entertainment experiences we plan to bring to Hard Rock fans in Ottawa.”

Construction on the $350 million new hotel, casino and performance venue began in June 2023 after years of delays.

Here’s what you need to know about the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa

• Opening date: July 3 at 1 p.m.
• 700 employees
• The Hard Rock Hotel will have 150 rooms, including 22 suites
• Expanded Hard Rock Casino with 1,500 slot machines, 40 live-action table games, high-limit gaming.
• Hard Rock Live – an 1,800-seat theatre with standing room for 2,200 guests
• More than 10 restaurants, bars and lounges, including the Hard Rock Café and Council Oak Steakhouse
• The Hard Rock shop

https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/articl...-opening-week/

[harls]

David Foster.. be still my heart.

[rocketphish]

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino opens in Ottawa with nod to all things Canadian

Marissa Galko, OBJ
July 3, 2025

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino opened its first fully integrated Canadian location today on Albion Road, with many nods to Canadiana.

The $350-million entertainment complex includes a six-storey hotel with 150 rooms and 22 suites as well as a 24-7 gaming floor, 10 bars, restaurants and lounges, and an 1,800-seat live performance venue. The 150,000-square-foot gaming space currently has about 1,000 slot machines, 40 table games, a high-limit gaming area and an open-air smoking area.

The project was first announced in May 2017 with a $320-million budget. The pandemic delayed construction, which started in June 2023.

Christine Crump, president of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa, said Thursday that opening day has been a long time coming.

“Today is incredible. You can feel the energy. It’s a fabulous vibe. We’ve been working so hard. The local team and the global team, (we) just can’t wait to share this with the city,” Crump told OBJ.

Crump gave OBJ a behind-the-scenes look at the Hard Rock Ottawa in March. While she said Ottawa’s location will have the same “look and feel” as other Hard Rocks globally, she said the team wanted to make the capital region location special.

Giovanni Taliaferro, vice-president of memorabilia and design at Hard Rock International, said Thursday that Hard Rock Ottawa is “a true celebration of Canada.”

“There’s several Canadian musicians on display here, as well as stories that kind of relate to Canada … With every project that we do, we want to make certain that we’re providing a local narrative,” Taliaferro said of the nearly 120 items on view in Ottawa.

Memorabilia displayed throughout the hotel and casino, Taliaferro said, are donated by the artists or bought at auctions around the world. He added that the items, whether related to Canadian or international artists, are significant to Canada. For example, former Beatle John Lennon’s jacket and “give peace a chance” sign are from his bed-in protest in Montreal in 1969.

Hard Rock Ottawa gives several other nods to Canada, Taliaferro said, from the big maple leaf guitar on the front entrance ceiling to art pieces commissioned by Canadian artists, including the vinyl portraits at the hotel check-in desk made by Michael Bublé’s brother-in-law, Rob Ubels.

“We want to support local businesses … We want to make certain that we’re doing our best to be great neighbours and great participants within the community,” Taliaferro said.

https://obj.ca/hard-rock-hotel-and-c...d-to-canadian/

[lrt's friend]

I was there for the opening. A very long line but they were able to accomodate everybody. It is glitzy with memorabilia everywhere. I went into the performance venue which is large but is no NAC. The old casino is closed and will be fully renovated. A nice addition to the community. We should all be thankful to former Gloucester mayor Claudette Cain who supported a casino at this site while Ottawa politicians did nothing.

[Harley613]

10 bars and a major performance venue in a casino surrounded by farm fields accessed by an unlit two lane road with 10 foot deep ditches through a forest. Very smart. I will never ever understand this situation. All I remember was King Watson vetoing all opposing proposals without ever saying why.

[lrt's friend]

Originally Posted by Harley613

10 bars and a major performance venue in a casino surrounded by farm fields accessed by an unlit two lane road with 10 foot deep ditches through a forest. Very smart. I will never ever understand this situation. All I remember was King Watson vetoing all opposing proposals without ever saying why.

Watson was also mayor in the 90s and Claudette Cain saw this as an opportunity for Gloucester and she took it when Watson refused a casino for downtown.

Despite the opening, the roads were easily able to handle the traffic. Meanwhile, Ottawa's attitude has not changed by offering no transit to the site despite a station being close by. I don't get Ottawa's handling of casinos over the years.

[J.OT13]

• Video Link

[pattherat]

Not a fan of this project either way, but I find it hilarious that they cheaped out on the guitar sign and cut it off 1/10 of the length of an actual fretboard.

It looks stupid.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by pattherat

Not a fan of this project either way, but I find it hilarious that they cheaped out on the guitar sign and cut it off 1/10 of the length of an actual fretboard.

It looks stupid.

I noticed. It just looks off. Look at all the Hard Rock Casinos and Hotels in the World, and ours truly is the cheapest version, by a long shot.

[Tesladom]

Have you seen where this is located? I'm surprised anybody would pony up money to build this at this location

[lrt's friend]

Originally Posted by Tesladom

Have you seen where this is located? I'm surprised anybody would pony up money to build this at this location

This tells you a bit about the clientele. The location for casinos is not that important. Build it and they will come