The River Cree Resort and Casino, located in the heart of Alberta, Canada, has initiated an ambitious $200 million expansion project that aims to redefine luxury and entertainment in the region. The project, spearheaded by the Enoch Cree Nation, promises to deliver a wide range of world-class amenities, including a striking 18-storey hotel tower, over 38,000 square feet of event space, and new outdoor recreational facilities. This expansion is more than just a construction endeavor; it’s a move toward sustainable growth and opportunity for the community.
A New Era for River Cree: 18-Storey Tower and 240 Rooms
The most eye-catching element of this $200 million expansion project is undoubtedly the addition of an 18-storey hotel tower. Scheduled for completion in the spring of 2027, the tower will house 240 state-of-the-art hotel rooms designed to offer guests a lavish experience. Whether you’re a business traveler attending a conference or a family on vacation, the hotel will cater to a variety of needs. Each room will be equipped with modern amenities, blending comfort with contemporary design.
With Alberta becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourism and business, this new tower will help meet the growing demand for high-quality accommodations. The tower is set to elevate the profile of the River Cree Resort and Casino, drawing visitors from across Canada and beyond.
Expanding Event Space: 38,000 Square Feet to Serve a Range of Needs
In addition to the new hotel, River Cree’s expansion will introduce a massive 38,000 square feet of event space, including a grand ballroom and outdoor areas. This will make the resort one of the premier venues in Alberta for conferences, weddings, and large-scale events. The grand ballroom is expected to attract major corporate events and high-profile social gatherings, putting River Cree on the map as a go-to destination for both leisure and business.
This expanded event space represents a significant investment in Alberta’s event tourism market. It allows River Cree Resort and Casino to compete with other high-end venues in the region, providing modern facilities that can host events of various sizes and styles.
Outdoor Amenities and Pool: Elevating Guest Experience
Beyond just the architectural and event-related expansions, the resort’s outdoor offerings will also see a substantial upgrade. The addition of new outdoor spaces and a pool area will offer guests the perfect balance of relaxation and recreation. Whether you want to take a dip after a long day of conferences or simply enjoy the natural beauty of Alberta, the resort will provide a host of outdoor experiences designed to cater to diverse guest preferences.
This focus on outdoor amenities reflects the resort’s commitment to offering a comprehensive guest experience. By creating spaces where visitors can unwind in a beautiful setting, River Cree is positioning itself as more than just a casino—it’s becoming a full-fledged destination resort.
A Vision for the Future: Chief Cody Thomas on the Expansion
Chief Cody Thomas of the Enoch Cree Nation emphasized that the expansion is about much more than just building physical structures. It’s an investment in the future of the Enoch Cree Nation and its people. “There’s an opportunity for us to build capacity in our next generations to come but provide sustainable resources for our nation as well,” Chief Thomas said.
The expansion is a forward-thinking initiative designed to create long-term sustainability for the Enoch Cree Nation. By investing in this massive project, the nation is looking to create jobs, provide training opportunities for younger generations, and foster economic development that will benefit the community for years to come.
River Cree Resort and Casino: A Look Back at Its History
River Cree Resort and Casino originally opened its doors in 2006, offering a blend of entertainment, gaming, and dining options. Located just west of Edmonton, the resort quickly became a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
In 2014, the Enoch Cree Nation acquired the resort, and since then, it has undergone a series of improvements aimed at enhancing guest experience while ensuring long-term profitability for the nation. This $200 million expansion is the latest chapter in that ongoing effort.
Over the years, the casino has become an integral part of the local economy, contributing significantly to job creation and tourism. With this expansion, the Enoch Cree Nation is taking steps to ensure that River Cree remains competitive in Alberta’s fast-evolving tourism and entertainment sector.
The Economic Impact: Job Creation and Growth Opportunities
One of the most important aspects of this expansion is its economic impact on the region. The construction phase alone will create numerous job opportunities, from skilled tradespeople to project managers. Once the hotel and event spaces are operational, even more long-term positions will be created, including roles in hospitality, maintenance, and event management.
For the Enoch Cree Nation, the project represents an opportunity to invest in the future by training young people in fields like hospitality management, tourism, and event planning. This capacity-building initiative aligns with Chief Cody Thomas’ vision of creating sustainable, long-term resources for future generations.
The resort already employs many members of the Enoch Cree Nation, and the expansion will only increase the number of local employment opportunities. By focusing on both economic and social growth, the Enoch Cree Nation is ensuring that the benefits of the expansion are felt widely across the community.
A Growing Market: Alberta’s Expanding Tourism Sector
Alberta’s tourism industry has been on a steady upward trajectory, fueled by its natural beauty and diverse range of activities. From the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park to the vibrant urban culture in cities like Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta has something to offer every type of traveler. River Cree Resort and Casino, situated near Edmonton, is poised to capitalize on this growth by offering not only gaming and entertainment but also luxurious accommodations and event spaces.
The addition of the new hotel and event facilities means that River Cree can host larger groups, including international visitors and corporate clients. As Alberta continues to grow as a destination for tourism and business travel, the resort is positioning itself as a key player in the province’s hospitality sector.
Sustainability and Community: Key Focus Areas of the Expansion
While the expansion is undeniably focused on growth and modernization, it also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and community impact. The new facilities are expected to incorporate eco-friendly design elements, such as energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and sustainable building materials.
By focusing on sustainability, the Enoch Cree Nation is ensuring that this project not only boosts economic growth but also aligns with environmental responsibility. This is part of a broader commitment to balance development with ecological stewardship, ensuring that the expansion benefits both people and the planet.
Moreover, the project is designed to benefit the local community by fostering opportunities for education and training. Young people in the Enoch Cree Nation will have the chance to gain valuable skills that can be applied in the hospitality and tourism industries, providing a pathway to long-term employment and career growth.
Timeline and Next Steps: What to Expect Leading Up to 2027
As of now, the project has officially broken ground, and construction is expected to ramp up in the coming months. The entire expansion, including the 18-storey hotel tower, event spaces, and outdoor amenities, is slated for completion by the spring of 2027.
In the lead-up to the grand opening, the resort will likely begin marketing its new offerings to event planners, business travelers, and tourists. As construction progresses, more details will emerge about the design and features of the new hotel rooms, event spaces, and outdoor areas.
Guests and locals alike can expect to see updates as the project moves forward, with the resort likely hosting special events to celebrate key milestones in the construction process. By the time the new facilities open in 2027, River Cree Resort and Casino will be ready to offer a one-of-a-kind experience that combines luxury, entertainment, and cultural heritage.
The $200 million expansion of River Cree Resort and Casino is much more than a simple upgrade. It represents a bold vision for the future—one that encompasses not just business growth but also sustainable development and community empowerment. With its new 18-storey hotel tower, vast event space, and enhanced outdoor amenities, the resort is setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
For the Enoch Cree Nation, this project is a significant step toward building long-term economic stability and providing opportunities for future generations. As the resort prepares to welcome guests in 2027, it’s clear that River Cree is well on its way to becoming a premier destination for both leisure and business, offering a unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and cultural pride.