Wasaga Beach is one of the towns that are preparing for vivid gaming expansion and the enhanced possibilities a casino complex has up for grabs. Gateway Casinos & Entertainment would soon be able to launch construction of Cascades Casino Wasaga Beach. This week saw the City Council give its approval of the casino complex that would be a breath of fresh air to the west end of the town.
Gateway Casinos had gaming expansion in its plans for a couple of years now, as it acquired several of Ontario’s gaming bundles. Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation launched the modernization process aiming to introduce new players to the provincial gambling field. Wasaga Beach operation possibility was acquired with the purchase of the Central Gaming Bundle. The bundle also gave the casino operator the right to oversee operation at OLG Slots at Georgian Downs and Casino Rama.
Greenlight Given to the Project
Now the casino complex is one step closer to the beginning of construction, as this week saw a highly-anticipated City Council meeting approving the property and allowing it to apply for a building permit. Gateway Casinos and DAS Development, the owner of the property are going to file their application very soon, as to ensure that the project is on schedule.
Chief Building Official Danny Rodgers said that over the past few weeks, the project plan has been thoroughly reviewed and Cascades Casino Wasaga Beach would go well with the area layout. In the upcoming weeks, projections are that the casino complex would receive a permit for construction. At this point, the greenlight is essential, as it is one of the last things standing in the way of a groundbreaking ceremony.
It should also be taken into account, that the Ministry of Transportation had to conduct a special study evaluating the way Cascades casino Wasaga Beach would impact traffic in the region. The study was completed and projections are that this new construction would not result in traffic jams or inconvenience. The casino venue would be situated at the roundabout at Mosley, Beachwood, and Lyons Court.
Wasaga Beach Anticipated Revenue Allocations
The rezoning application for the casino property was also given green light, another milestone for Gateway Casinos’ expansion in the region of Wasaga Beach. It could be recalled that last month Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation gave their nod to the business case associated with the casino venue.
The City Council would also have to work on the Municipality Contribution Agreement in the foreseeable future. In other casino host communities, it is a common practice supporting local projects and charity organizations. The first CA$65 million generated as revenue from the slots machines available on site are crucial for the casino.
Some 5.25 percent of that amount is allocated to the host community. Wasaga Beach is looking forward to the gaming revenue allocations, as this would optimize the Main Street renovation and work in the downtown area of the town. Stonebridge developer Mark Crowe recently claimed that more efforts should be put in the downtown area, as to keep people there.