History (taken from the Rotel website)
Rotel has been helping the community and visitors-in-need for over 35 years. Primarily serving the communities of Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, Rotel has also welcomed guests from all over Canada, including Canadian military members from abroad.
Back in 1986 the members of the Rotary Club of Ottawa South realized that with the development of several hospitals in the Ottawa area, out-of-town patients needing treatment could feel isolated and lonely. They knew, too, that having loved ones close-by was proven to quicken the healing process. Unfortunately, there was nowhere affordable nearby for family and friends to stay while visiting patients at the hospital.
To solve this problem, the Rotary Club of Ottawa South decided to build a nearby, low-cost motel. This was a huge undertaking at the time, and close to $2 million was raised by Rotary Clubs, other service clubs and the community throughout Eastern Ontario. In July 1986, a 51-room motel opened its doors on the grounds of the Ottawa Hospital’s General Campus on Smyth Road. Rotel has been providing safe, clean, comfortable and private accommodations for over three decades.
We love field trips! The members of ROS were invited to Rotel for lunch and to take a tour of the motel. We saw the beautifully renovated bathrooms that have been upgraded recently. With a building that is 30+ years old there is an imminent need for major renovations. Scott Vetter, Chair of the Rotel Board, informed us there is a fundraising campaign to be launched in 2024 to raise funds for much needed renovations of the building. We, at Rotary Ottawa South, are committed to helping with this campaign in whatever way we can.
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