The size and budget for a new Loto-Québec casino hotel project in Montreal have gotten bigger, Le Journal de Montréal reported.

According to the report, the room count has increased to about 220 from 150 to 175.

“We were initially budgeting around $150 million to $170 million,” Loto-Québec President and CEO Jean-François Bergeron told the Journal while discussing the provincial corporation’s quarterly financial results. Now, we’re at $200 million.”

The project is under construction. Le Germain Hotels will manage and operate the hotel component.

“We could have decided to create many more rooms. Demand isn’t an issue,” Bergeron told the Journal. “But we wanted it to remain a boutique hotel, a niche hotel.”

Loto-Québec has also decided to add a convention hall and Nordic spa, the Journal reported.

The hotel will be solely owned by Loto-Québec, with all profits reinvested into Quebec projects. The company expects the four-storey project to enhance the entertainment options at the casino and strengthen its position as a leading tourist destination, in the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau.

The corporation has committed to upholding high sustainability standards throughout the construction process to minimize environmental impact. The hotel is expected to open within two to three years, joining other Loto-Québec-owned properties such as the Hilton Lac-Leamy and Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in the corporation’s real estate portfolio.

Loto-Québec said previously that the project’s low building height is intended to respect the character of Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Photo: CNW Group/Loto-Québec