Kingsway Entertainment District is eyed by developers and businesses across Greater Sudbury as a potential playground for future heated construction. Gateway Casinos & Entertainment is among the companies eyeing the project and everything it could offer in the near future. The latest decision of the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal postponed appeals hearing to May 5, 2020, a delay that was unexpected but would not deter the casino operator from its goals.
Gateway Casinos is willing to build a well-rounded casino complex in Sudbury, as this is a great opportunity for attracting more customers and people in general. With both gaming, accommodation, and family-friendly offerings on site, the project is expected to embellish Kingsway Entertainment District and make it even more appealing. Gateway Casinos Sudbury is the gaming hall currently overseen by the casino operator that would see its lease end in April 2020.
Unexpected Delay until May 2020
With appeals review set to commence a month later, the casino operator would need a temporary facility to welcome casino patrons and continue uninterrupted operation. Rob Mitchell, Spokesperson for Gateway Casinos, stated that the commitment is here and Gateway is ready to develop in Sudbury. For the time being, no legal conversations have been held.
Mr. Mitchell pointed out that the casino operator would have to consult matters with legal experts that would evaluate the impact of a 10-month delay of the casino complex. This week brought the official LPAT decision, announcing that the hearing next spring is going to span over four days and review all remaining appeals.
It could be recalled that leading opponents of the casino project such as local businessman Tom Fortin and Casino Free Sudbury sought LPAT meeting delay. That request has been rejected and the meeting took place this Thursday. Regardless of this, Mr. Fortin had prepared in advance and earlier this year he took matters to the Ontario Superior Court. He wants to see it nix Sudbury’s approval of Kingsway Entertainment District.
KED Takes Longer than Expected
The local businessman wanted to hit the breaks on LPAT conversation until the Superior Court has issued an official ruling, but this would not happen. He claims that the City Council approved the project without seeking public input on the casino project, a controversial topic that is able to polarize the opinion in every host community.
He also clarified that the ultimate decision indicates a level of bias that is unacceptable when it comes to large projects of this magnitude. By mid-January, some CA$1.7 million had already been poured in Kingsway Entertainment District even though there was uncertainty surrounding it. This is when Ward 1 Councilor Mark Signoretti filed a special motion aiming to protect taxpayers.
He claimed that all investment in the project should be paused for the time being, at least until LPAT issues its official position on the 12 appeals filed. Coun. Signoretti stated back then that taxpayers’ money should not be invested without a solid ground of certainty in the project’s future. Meanwhile, Gateway Casinos is ready to pour some CA$55.5 million in its casino complex that would be branded as Starlight Casino.
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