One of Canada’s most diversified gaming company Gateway Casinos & Entertainment is currently gearing up to further expand its reputation and build a C$140-million premier casino resort the Western Fair District. Such a move is to grant the gambling company an increased market share. As for now, the gambling operator is trying to build up enough public support and endorsement from locals in an effort to put the wheels in motion and turn the first sod.
According to the Western Fair’s rules, the casino expansion should receive a nod not only from the lawmakers, but also from the locals. Gateway spokesperson Rob Mitchell announced that the company is ready to participate in various public meetings and offer Londoners to get a better look at the proposed gambling center at the fairgrounds. In that way, people will get a better idea of the economic advantages of hosting a casino.
Late last year, Gateway laid out its plans for the multi-million casino project at the Western Fair District. The construction of the full-fledged entertainment complex is planned to consist of two phases, each expected to take a year. Such information meetings will be essential for gathering public feedback on the matter. It was explained that the public feedback has to be submitted to the province along with a council resolution supporting the casino project.
City treasurer Anna Lisa Barbon stated that the city politicians will have the last word on Gateway’s project, but they must thoughtfully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of hosting a casino. Coun. Josh Morgan stated that the city officials should consider the matter carefully before taking a final decision.
Take a Closer Look at Gateway’s Casino Project
The company’s senior vice-president and managing director in Ontario, Keith Andrews, commented that Gateway’s proposal for a full-blown gambling center is to pump millions in the economy and bring as much as 700 new jobs to the city. It is important to mention that the growth of tax revenues and job opportunities are significant factors when the future of a casino project is considered. The first phase of the project includes the construction of the gaming area, the food and beverage area. The second phase is to see the building of the hotel complex and the race track.
In December 2016, Gateway has signed a 20-year Casino Operating and Services Agreement with and has purchased assets of the Southwest Gaming Bundle. Following the announcement, Gateway presented its ambitious project to build a casino resort at the fairgrounds. A few month later, it seems that the future of the project is still unclear due to various hurdles.
The main setback for Gateway to implement its project is the costly rent. Last year, it surfaced that the gambling operator is looking to cut the costs of leasing or to buy the land, which is co-owned by the city and Western Fair. As it can be recalled, Gateway hinted that the company is exploring other options, supposing that the the city and Western Fair refuse to lower lease payments or sell the land. As for now, all three parties remain silent on the matter.
