Located on Enoch Cree Nation, over 400 slot machines, 14 table games, 2 restaurants, and a larger kitchen were added to the resort and casino. Installation of a state-of-the-art HVAC system provides an opportunity for the new space to allow smoking and the greater part of the River Cree to remain smoke-free.​ 

To keep tobacco smoke within the areas of origination and to minimize the transfer of smoke to the surrounding spaces, the gaming environment was constructed with sealed walls and a negatively pressurized environment.  The air supply works with the natural buoyancy of tobacco smoke to help push the smoke upward and fresh air is circulated at the floor level. The smoke-filled air is not recycled into the space, as it is expelled through the ceiling. This innovative functionality keeps the air exceptionally clean.

“We worked closely with the River Cree team and the trade contractors to execute this design-build in a compressed schedule of eight months,” says Ben Wagemakers, manager, special projects. “It’s thanks to everyone going ‘all in’ that we were able to get this done within a tight timeframe.”  

In addition to the initial project scope, PCL added custom walnut panels, back-lit stone feature walls, and a custom chandelier to meet the River Cree’s vision for the new space. PCL also expanded the count room to accommodate the increased business the resort and casino is anticipating with the addition of Embers.