Zona de Azar Canada – Loto-Québec Unveils Plans for a Hotel Adjacent to Montreal Casino

Canada.- December 19th 2023 www.zonadeazar.com Loto-Québec has revealed its intention to construct a 200-room hotel adjacent to the Casino de Montréal in Parc Jean-Drapeau. The $150-million project, funded by Loto-Québec, is projected to open in two to three years on land owned by the provincial lottery and gaming association.

While the hotel’s plans are still in the developmental stage, the concept involves a low-profile, approximately four-story building situated atop the casino’s underground parking facilities, adjacent to the casino itself, as outlined by Loto-Québec President Jean-François Bergeron.

“The Casino de Montréal has been a landmark in this city for 30 years,” he expressed. “Its location at the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau will put this hotel in a class by itself. It will showcase Montreal beautifully.”

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante and Quebec Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx have enthusiastically endorsed the project, noting its potential to elevate Montreal’s global visibility. Plante affirmed that the plan aligns with environmental preservation, seamlessly integrating with the forthcoming major park overhaul scheduled for 2030. The redevelopment aims to introduce more green spaces, enhance accessibility to the St. Lawrence River, and restrict vehicular traffic.

Plante anticipates the hotel’s design will complement the iconic architectural image of the casino, which was originally constructed in 1993 within the former France pavilion of Man and His World for Expo 67.

However, Montreal City Councillor Craig Sauvé voiced opposition, strongly condemning what he perceives as the “privatization of public space.” He contends that the addition of a luxury hotel is an unacceptable commodification of Parc Jean-Drapeau, a cherished public space deserving of alternative development approaches.

Edited by: @MaiaDigital www.zonadeazar.com