The ribbon has officially been cut on Phase Two of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa expansion, marking another major milestone in the $350‑million transformation of the former Rideau Carleton Casino (RCC). The project, which began in 2023, continues to reshape the venue with new table games, an additional restaurant, and a significantly expanded gaming floor.
At the ceremony, Christine Crump, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, expressed heartfelt gratitude to local and provincial officials, her team of 1,100 staff, and Hard Rock’s global network. She called the project “a world-class effort to bring a local destination to light.” Crump also thanked the many casino-goers—“the ones we built this venue for”—sharing her hope that guests always feel welcome and that the property becomes the backdrop for countless joyful memories.
ABOVE: Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, Christine Crump.
Before the ribbon was cut, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe acknowledged Crump and the casino’s substantial contributions to the local economy. As of July 2025, the venue has generated $120 million in direct revenue for the City of Ottawa, in addition to supporting jobs and tourism.
Phase Two reopens the original RCC entrance, known as the rotunda, and unveils a significantly expanded casino floor. Nearly 500 new slot machines brings the total to 1,500, all designed to deliver immersive play and big-win excitement. A standout feature is the new Baccarat Room—the only one of its kind in Canada—offering an exclusive gaming environment inspired by Asian elegance and luxury. The number of gaming tables has also increased from 23 to 40.
ABOVE: The new Asian noodle bar YOUYU at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa.
The expansion also introduces YOUYU Noodle Bar Ottawa. Wesley Boodhram, Vice President of Food and Beverage, proudly noted that all ingredients used across Hard Rock Ottawa’s kitchens arrive fresh—“except for the French fries,” he joked. He also encouraged guests to visit Council Oak, the property’s steak and seafood restaurant, which he describes as fantastic.
YOUYU aims to capture the energy of an upscale Asian night market, serving hand-pulled noodles, slow-simmered broths, and bold, authentic dishes influenced by the street-food cultures of Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bangkok.
ABOVE: Christine Crump performs the eye-dotting ceremony to bring the Chinese dragons to life.
Following the ribbon-cutting, a traditional Chinese Lion Dance blessing filled the space with colour and rhythm—a symbolic gesture meant to bring prosperity, good fortune, and protection from negative energy.
Elsewhere on the property, renovations continue at The Joint. Advertising Manager Brian Beehler shared that the venue is expected to reopen in the spring, adding a fourth performance space with capacity for about 500 people. It will complement the existing Centre Stage, Council Oak Stage, and Hard Rock Live venues, further expanding the casino’s entertainment offerings.
No visit to a Hard Rock property is complete without taking in the music memorabilia. One piece that stood out during the event was a striking green velvet jumpsuit worn by the legendary James Brown, complete with flared bell-bottoms and a dramatic cutout torso—a very cool addition to Ottawa’s cultural landscape.
Crump noted that Hard Rock is the world’s largest collector of music memorabilia, with a collection of roughly 88,000 pieces. She also highlighted the extensive art displayed throughout the property, much of it commissioned specifically for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. Her personal favourite: Rob Ubels’ portraits crafted from vinyl records.
Whatever your reason for visiting—perhaps New Year’s Eve—the newly expanded Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is a vibrant and welcome addition to the city’s entertainment scene.
PHOTOS: OLM Staff
