OTTAWA — Hard Rock International has broken ground in Canada’s capital.

Construction has officially started on Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, which is expected to be completed in spring 2025. The $350 million construction project is considered to be one of the largest private investment developments currently in Ottawa.

Upon completion the 150-room Hard Rock Hotel will offer 22 suites while an expanded Hard Rock Casino will house 1,500 slot machines, 40 live action table games, Sportsbook, high-limit gaming and a Baccarat room. There’ll also be an 1,800-seat Hard Rock Live theatre with standing room for 2,200, a Rock Shop and Unity Store, and more than 10 restaurants, bars and lounges including the award-winning Hard Rock Café and Council Oak Steakhouse. 

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 6 at Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock, the site of the new facility, which will remain open 24/7 during construction.

“We are excited to be one step closer to bringing our iconic brand and rich music history to the people of Ottawa and the surrounding region,” said Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer, Hard Rock International. “I wish to thank the provincial and municipal elected officials who helped us get here today. We are especially grateful to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) who have been incredibly supportive in helping make this possible. We appreciate our partnership with them.” 

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 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 is invested in local sponsorships and nonprofits, benefiting local communities and the people within.