City shines the light on OLG’s continued support for community projects

The City hosted a recognition event today to shine light on the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for its continued support of community projects in Ottawa. The Terry Fox Athletic Facility, which served as the backdrop for today's event, is just one of the City facilities benefiting from OLG funding this year.

The City receives funding annually from OLG, which is revenue generated from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, and is placed in the City’s general revenue account and reinvested in services and initiatives to benefit residents. So far this calendar year, the City received more than $4.3 million.

Since the gaming site originally opened in February 2000, Ottawa has received over $119 million in gaming revenue from OLG as a casino host community.   

At the Terry Fox Athletic Facility, the existing lighting was replaced with new LED fixtures, providing improved illumination for spectators and athletes competing on the running track and playing field. This upgrade provides greater vision, better energy efficiency and continues the ability to attract more national, provincial and international competition events to Ottawa.

The Terry Fox Athletic Facility, located in Mooney’s Bay Park, is Ottawa’s premier outdoor track and field venue and one of  the region’s important multi-sports facilities. It features an international-standard eight-lance track, multiple field event and premium sports fields, and accessible infrastructure to support athletes of all abilities – including para-athletes and Special Olympians.

Every year, this popular sports venue hosts many organized sports leagues and post-secondary and varsity track and sporting events.  It has also hosted provincial, national and international competitions – including the 2025 Canadian Track and Field Championships, events for the 2001 Francophonie Games, and 2021 and 2022 Masters and Ontario Summer Indigenous Games. The facility is also home of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club.

In addition to the Terry Fox Athletic Facility lighting, a portion of the funding from April 2025 to March 2026 was invested in other recreation infrastructure projects, including:

• Bob MacQuarrie-Orléans Recreation Complex
• Brewer Arena
• Dovercourt Recreation Centre
• Earl Armstrong Arena
• Lowertown Recreation Complex
• Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre
• Ron Maslin Playhouse
• St. Laurent Recreation Complex & Don Gamble Community Centre
• Tony Graham Recreation Complex - Kanata

These investments make our recreational facilities better for community members, while improving energy efficiency and making them more cost effective for the City.

OLG funding is also invested towards enhancing several City facilities, including cultural centres, long-term care homes and fire stations.

OLG’s ongoing support is helping Ottawa improve the recreation, cultural and community facilities that residents rely on every day. The Terry Fox Athletic Facility is a perfect example: this investment means a better experience for athletes and spectators today, and it helps us attract more major competitions and visitors to Ottawa. When we invest in the places where people come together, we’re investing in the community itself.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, City of Ottawa

“OLG truly values being a long-standing partner in the city of Ottawa and to communities across Ontario. Every dollar of OLG’s profit is returned to Ontario to support the things people care about most, like critical infrastructure, local initiatives, and community events. Those dollars are making a difference here in Ottawa. The impact wouldn’t be possible without the great team at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, whose work supports both the local economy and community well-being. When you play at an Ontario casino, you play for Ontario.”  

Kathleen Devine, OLG Senior Municipal Relations Manager