This week, Loto-Québec announced that it will be adding a 200-room hotel on Casino Montréal grounds. It is quite common for casino properties as the Montréal one to also offer hospitality, and the introduction of a promising hotel, would make the gambling venue even more appealing and enhance its reputation as a hotspot tourist destination.
The Crown corporation will own the hotel, which is on track to open doors in two to three years. A hotel partner will be soon selected for the project, which would see an investment of CA$150 million. Its revenue will be invested back into Québec communities and will join the Hilton Lac-Leamy and Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in the firm’s real estate properties.
Further Details on the CA$150M Project
The project is inspired by the unique character of Parc Jean-Drapeau, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary and suggests a low-height building design. Via its outstanding architectural signature, the new venue will blend naturally with its surroundings while preserving the natural beauty of the area. Construction will also uphold the highest sustainability standards.
President and CEO of the Crown agency, Jean-François Bergeron, remarked the casino has been a landmark for the city for 30 years. In his words, the construction of the hotel would move the gaming amenity to the top among the best entertainment destinations. He also said that the location at the centre of Parc Jean-Drapeau will showcase Montréal beautifully.
Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for the Lanaudière Region stated the casino is a major tourist attraction with millions of visitors every year, and the addition of a hotel will only bolster its attractiveness. This is tremendous news as the project aligns with the province’s goal, which is to continue developing the hotel sector, explained Ms. Proulx.
Meanwhile, Ville de Montréal Mayor Valérie Plante elaborated that the Crown corporation’s hotel initiative is fully in line with the city’s commitment to provide its residents and visitors with opportunities to enjoy nature in the city. In her words, the new accommodation meets the highest environmental standards and will further bolster the appeal of Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Mini-Casino Plans are Off
However, not all of Loto-Québec are this warmly welcomed, as previously the Crown became a subject of criticism for a mini-casino project in downtown Montreal. It was opposition from Montreal Public Health which issued a 40-page report on why a potential gaming parlour next to the Bell Centre would bring harm to an already vulnerable community.
After the report, the Crown agency decided to listen to the public health group’s input and announced that it would be abandoning its plans. The gambling corporation shared that it respects the stance of the public health organization, but still deems the project a missed opportunity to launch a gaming venue at the former and now vacant Taverne 1909 restaurant.
Source: “Loto-Québec announces hotel construction on Casino de Montréal grounds” PR Newswire, December 18, 2023
