George Darouze, who represents the ward, praised the project for the many jobs and tourism opportunities he said it will bring to the mostly rural part of town. Once the expansion is complete, the new entertainment district will be rebranded under the Hard Rock moniker. The expansion also calls for a steakhouse restaurant with 150 seats and a 40-seat lounge, but those parts of the project do not require council approval. The joint venture is also seeking approval for a Hard Rock Live concert venue, with hopes to attract major acts to the city and create an entertainment district in south Ottawa. 'The benefits to the local community if we repatriate that money is obvious,' said Andrew Wright, director of the Rideau Carleton/Hard Rock joint venture. A rendering of some of the proposed gambling tables the Hard Rock Casino would like to add to the existing Rideau Carleton Raceway site.
