City asks for public's input on slots at Rideau Carleton Raceway

The City of Ottawa is asking residents what they think about establishing theRideau Carleton Raceway as a gaming facility even though it's already been one fornearly two decades.

The public consultations are mandatory since Hard Rock Casino Ottawa is preparing to takeover day-to-day operations atthe 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 investmore than $320 million to create an "integrated entertainment destination" in the city's rural south end.

• Hard Rock taking over Rideau Carleton Raceway casino

The plan involves amajorexpansion of entertainment offerings at the Albion Road facility including a new casino, four restaurants, a 2,000-seat venue for live music and aHard 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.