Great Blue Heron Casino and Hotel

The construction of the Great Blue Heron Casino and Hotel was the third project of its kind for our client. Work began with the construction of a 34,500 SF structural steel addition, to the existing Great Blue Heron Tensile Structure. This single-storey structure is fully sprinklered, fire alarmed and encompasses a gaming floor and a new atrium. Existing gaming, food and beverage areas in the original building were repurposed into an entertainment venue.

After the successful delivery of the casino addition and renovation, Matheson’s client partner’s attention turned to additional revenue-generating activities on site; the construction of a 116-bed hotel with link to the existing casino. This four-storey 67,500 SF wood structure building was fully sprinklered with exterior full-height glulam features, administration offices, fitness centre, kitchen, lounge and a 4-storey atrium. Being one of the first 4-storey wood structure buildings in Ontario, the Matheson team worked closely with local subcontractors during the tender process to ensure that the means and method of construction were suitable to enable a fast-track construction schedule. This solution was focused around the ‘panelised’ construction of wood structure wall and floor elements, with modular fabrication off-site and a streamlined erection process when ready. This off-site construction allowed space on-site for other major trades, such as mechanical and electrical, to increase overall productivity with additional manpower.