As Gateway Casinos has had its eyes set on becoming the dominant casino company in Canada, it has led what seems like a nonstop expansion plan, purchasing existing venues or building new ones across the country. Its latest project is proposed for Wasaga Beach and the company has now figured out where it will be built.
Gateway wants to put its new casino on a piece of property in Wasaga Beach that is next to the Mosley St. roundabout at Lyons Court and Beachwood Rd. The 7.5-acre lot sits at the west end of Wasaga Beach and the new venue could have its groundbreaking as early as this spring. For that to happen, Gateway will need to expedite the provincial and municipal approvals and complete the purchase of the land.
According to Gateway’s Senior VP and Managing Director, Keith Andrews, “We are very pleased to announce that we expect to soon be able to move forward with our plans to build an exciting new casino and entertainment destination in the Town of Wasaga Beach. We look forward to receiving all the necessary provincial and municipal approvals and concluding the land transaction so we can start construction as quickly as possible.”
Earlier this month Gateway announced that it had completed a massive renovation project at a newly acquired venue. That property, located in Hanover, just went through a US$13.4-million renovation and re-branding project. Gateway is also getting ready to wrap up construction of the Cascades Casino in Chatham-Kent, a project that cost about US$27 million. That casino is preparing to hold its grand opening this July.
Of the Wasaga Beach project, the city’s mayor, Nina Bifolchi, stated, “We are thrilled that Gateway has settled on a site that will best meet its business needs and we look forward to the construction phase starting. We know that Gateway has a tremendous track record in its industry, they are truly leaders, and we look forward to a strong and positive relationship with them in Wasaga Beach.”
The mayor added, “Job creation is the single most important factor of this project. It’s anticipated that 150 new jobs will be generated when the casino opens its doors in the summer of 2020. This influx will create economic benefits that will be felt throughout our community for years to come.”
The venue is expected to give the city up to US$1.4 million each year.
