HVAC: Modern Niagara Bets Big on Ottawa’s Hard Rock Casino Revamp

In 1999, the company merged with Niagara Mechanical, a Toronto-based mechanical services firm, and rebranded as Modern Niagara Group Inc. This expansion marked the beginning of a national presence, with the company now offering mechanical, electrical, HVAC and integrated building technology services across Canada.

Today, Modern Niagara Ottawa employs over 850 professionals and is involved in major infrastructure projects throughout the city, including the redevelopment of Parliament Hill’s Centre Block and the construction of the new Ottawa Public Library. The company has also demonstrated a commitment to community engagement, exemplified by a $100,000 donation to Algonquin College's Centre for Construction Excellence in 2009, supporting the development of a new trades training facility.

Now, using innovative engineering solutions and collaborative strategies, Modern Niagara is bringing the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s ambitious vision to life. 

The Scope of HVAC & Sheet Metal Work
Modern Niagara is playing a pivotal role in the transformation of Ottawa’s Rideau Carleton Casino into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. 

The project encompasses a six-story, 150-room hotel, including 22 suites, a 1,800-seat Hard Rock Live theatre, and an expanded casino floor featuring 1,500 slot machines, 40 table games, a Baccarat room and high-limit gaming areas. Additionally, the venue will offer over 10 restaurants, bars and lounges, including the iconic Hard Rock Café and Council Oak Steakhouse. The anticipated completion date for the project is set for this year.

As the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contractor for this $350-million redevelopment, Modern Niagara is responsible for installing and integrating the building’s essential systems. This includes installing advanced mechanical systems to support the casino’s increased capacity. Their team is fabricating and installing extensive sheet metal ductwork, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and specialized ventilation to maintain air quality in gaming and entertainment areas.

The team is also using advanced technologies, such as transmitting 3D models directly to pipe profiling machines, as well as eliminating manual drawings and programming. This innovation is accelerating plasma cutting processes, potentially saving over 6,000 work hours annually and allowing the team to focus on higher-value tasks.

Commitment to Community and Culture
Modern Niagara’s impact extends beyond construction. The company is dedicated to positively influencing Canada’s infrastructure and the communities where people live, learn, work and heal. Their culture emphasizes inclusivity and innovation, with values of passion, initiative, determination, professionalism and teamwork at the forefront.

As the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino project progresses, Modern Niagara continues to use collaborative strategies, technological innovations and commitment to community engagement to set a benchmark for this and future projects. This redevelopment not only revitalizes an existing structure but also promises to enhance Ottawa’s entertainment landscape for years to come.