In the worlds of music and entertainment, it’s a name that’s almost as iconic as the bands and performers whose memorabilia has always lined its walls. The long history of the Hard Rock Café first began in London, England in 1971 and ever since it’s been the cool place to hang out, enjoy a signature burger, and rock. And now the brand is set to open once more – but this time it’s in Ottawa. As the projected opening approaches, excitement and anticipation is mounting, so let’s take a look at some of the details.
The original idea to bring the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino was first mooted over six years ago but various hold-ups, including the Covid pandemic, meant that it wasn’t until June 2023 that the first steps in the construction process were taken. In a lavish launch ceremony several dignitaries, led by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, broke ground with guitar-shaped shovels at the site of the Rideau Carleton Casino, which is soon to be replaced. Also attending was Hard Rock’s Chief Operating Officer, Jon Lucas, who expressed great excitement on behalf of the organisation.
When it opens at 4837 Albion Road, the entertainment complex promises to be a veritable pleasure palace with its hotel, restaurants, bars and, naturally, a theatre space too. The casinos will feature no less than 1,500 different slot games, 40 gaming tables for roulette, blackjack and more, a high rollers’ area and a dedicated baccarat room.
Casinos in Ontario have recently been facing increased competition from their online counterparts, meaning they must be constantly seeking to improve, or risk being left behind. Liam Blackley of casino.ca has written for several of the leading voices in iGaming across Canada, he is firmly of the belief those vying to be the best online casino in Ontario are here to stay, so it’s up to the venues to do what they can to wrestle back control. The Hard Rock Hotel is attempting to do that with facilities fit for a rockstar. The hotel will feature over 150 rooms, including 22 suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows.
You’ll also be able to dine or relax at more than ten lounges, bars and restaurants. Naturally, there’s also a classic Hard Rock Café as well as the Council Oak Steakhouse. Although no line-ups have been announced yet, it’s also expected that the 2,200 capacity Hard Rock Live theatre will soon become an essential stop-off point for bands’ Canadian tours. And to make sure that you can also head home with some merchandise, there’s also going to be a Rock Shop and a Unity Store.
The decision to locate the Hard Rock Casino in Ottawa was taken for a number of reasons. Firstly, the area is known for its music venues, but it’s also in need of a certain level of regeneration. The fact that it could also take over from the Rideau Carleton Casino to offer a truly 21st-century level experience, on a par with anywhere that you’d find in Vegas, made it the perfect choice of location.
While the Hard Rock brand is unashamedly global, great care has been taken to make sure that the development is in keeping with the area itself. For example, amongst all the rock memorabilia, you’ll be able to find that locally sourced materials have been used and many of the area’s artists have been invited to contribute specially commissioned pieces. And, in case you’re worried that you may not be able to locate the new casino and hotel, a 30-foot guitar outside its entrance will show you that you’ve found it.
It’s hoped that the arrival of the Hard Rock won’t just be a great new leisure facility for hotel guests and casino-goers. The aim is also to boost visitor numbers in general and has the full backing of the government and the local tourist authority.
Besides the obvious financial benefits this could bring, it has already contributed to the local economy.
An estimated 1,900 jobs were created in the construction phase of the $350 million project. There are also hundreds of opportunities to join the Hard Rock team. Swing by their upcoming job fair on Tuesday, April 22, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Joint, Hard Rock Ottawa. Check out their website for all the details.
The new Hard Rock in Ottawa is also likely to generate considerable amounts of tax revenue. Currently, the Rideau Carleton Casino is estimated to raise around $6 million a year, and the all-new casino should easily exceed this.
As the first Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to open in Canada, it’s also likely that other cities, and Ontario in particular, will be keeping a close eye on its progress and success. So here’s looking forward to the arrival of what will undoubtedly be an asset to Ottawa, and perhaps Canada in general.
