International competition requires, Loto-Québec has decided to turn the page on its move that failed in 2006 and eventually invest 305.7 million to renovate the Casino de Montreal and offer to its clients a place more beautiful and spacious.
“When we launched the Peel Basin project in 2004, it was found that the infrastructure needed some repairs,” said Alain Cousineau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Loto-Quebec in an interview. Renovations were estimated at 80-100 million. The establishment of the Casino Bet, which hosted 90 million visitors since its opening in 1993, doesn’t match anymore with the North American standards, especially in regard to available space compared to number of machines. “We have the worst percentage in the industry” says Cousineau. Then, we should normally renew every 10 years. This situation will put our ability to compete in difficulty, especially as Ontario and New Jersey have each invested $ 2 billion in their casinos.
Such as moving the Casino and the partnership with the Cirque du Soleil has not emerged, the Crown Corporation is returned to the drawing board to improve its service delivery without affecting the Park Jean-Drapeau and without increasing the gaming offer. Loto-Quebec doesn’t want to disrupt the activities of its customers, the work was planned over four years instead of two, by this way, and we won’t have to close the casino.
Main Entrance
The renovation of the former Expo 67 pavilions will cost about 100 million. A prestigious main entrance will be created, which will also improve access controls to the establishment. Two floors will disappear to make the site spacer. Facilities will be renovated, refreshed decor, service areas added including bars and entertainments. The show room of the Pavillon du Quebec will be transformed into a multifunctional space to accommodate events of different nature but with the possibility to keep the same quality of show.
There will also be more space around the device and gaming tables and the fact to wait at peak times to access food services, concentrates on the fifth floor will be reduced. There will be no more slot machines. In contrast, the number of games will decrease from 3200 to 2900 to accommodate larger spaces in between.
The overall atmosphere of the casino will be improved, particularly high-stakes section (where the high rollers play), which will be expanded. “On the 24th of June, at the opening of the Casino de Mont-Tremblant, you will see how it was able to provide an interior design that does justice to the local environment of the Laurentians” said Cousineau. We will do the same thing at the Casino de Montreal with a design that will fit the structure with an urban style of course, more modern and spacer. ”
Tenders for work will be launched this week. Loto-Quebec must obtain a transformation permit from the Borough of Ville-Marie. Mr. Cousineau believes that there will be no problem because the changes won’t change anything for the city or the area.
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