Hard Rock Ottawa’s proposal to go through committee

The expansion of the Rideau Carleton Raceway and Casino can go through a smaller city committee.

Canada.- Rick O’Connor, city’s solicitor, said in a memo to council that Hard Rock Casinos Ottawa’s proposal for a US$320 million renovation at the Rideau Carleton Raceway falls within what a minor committee can handle and that they can’t just move it to a larger hearing.

A number of councillors expressed their concerns last week regarding the expansion of 21 to 35 gambling tables going through the Committee of Adjustment instead of the broader planning committee. “There is therefore an obligation upon the Committee to hear a matter. It is Legal Services view that the committee could not unilaterally refuse to hold a hearing,” said O’Connor, and added that he told councilors that given that the committee of adjustment is part of the city board, they have to be careful about what submissions they consider.

“Given the quasi-judicial role of the Committee of Adjustment and the fact its members are appointed by council, staff advise caution in members of council making submissions to the committee,” he wrote.