City asks for public's input on slots at Rideau Carleton Raceway
CBC News | Posted: August 24, 2017 9:13 PM | Last Updated: August 24, 2017
Hard Rock's takeover makes consultation mandatory, even though slots have been in place for years
The City of Ottawa is asking residents what they think about establishing the Rideau Carleton Raceway as a gaming facility — even though it's already been one for nearly two decades.
The public consultations are mandatory since Hard Rock Casino Ottawa is preparing to take over day-to-day operations at the raceway next month, the city said in a media release Thursday.
In May, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) revealed that Hard Rock International would partner with the raceway and invest more than $320 million to create an "integrated entertainment destination" in the city's rural south end.
The plan involves a major expansion of entertainment offerings at the Albion Road facility — including a new casino, four restaurants, a 2,000-seat venue for live music and a Hard Rock merchandise shop.
The raceway already has about 1,250 slot machines, and was designated a gaming facility in 1998.
Residents can share written comments with the city or attend the finance and economic development committee meeting on Sept. 5 to speak in person, the city said.
City staff will share a summary of the comments with both OLG and council before Hard Rock Casino Ottawa takes over in mid-September.