The City of Pickering said the community is receiving important economic and community benefits of being a host gaming site.
Since Pickering Casino Resort opened in July 2021, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has issued non-tax gaming revenue payments, totaling $24,484,059 (up to March 31, 2023), to the city for hosting the facility, as part of its Municipal Contribution Agreement with OLG.
A city statement said it is reinvesting these revenues in the community to support local programs, initiatives, and infrastructure.
To date, casino revenues have been used for the following Current and Capital Budget items:
- Funding for 19 community groups as part of the city’s Community Grants Program
- Consulting for Naming Rights and Sponsorship Evaluation Strategy for city facilities (including City Centre)
- City Centre project-related planning activities and design costs
- Gravel lot parking upgrades (behind Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex)
The 2023 Capital and Current Budget includes over $10 million of projects to be funded by casino revenues, including the Bay Ridges Kinsmen Park soccer turf replacement, Beverly Morgan Park track replacement, various pedestrian signal upgrades, various fire station hall upfits, and the snow clearing program for senior citizens, the city said.
The latest was a cheque presentation at Friday’s opener of the Pickering Food Truck Festival. The festival organizers are just one of the many community recipients to benefit from the agreement, receiving funds to support the three-day food truck festival that was expected to welcome 25,000 visitors.
“These critical revenue payments are making a real and meaningful impact in our community,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “As well as supporting a broad array of municipal services, programs, events, and infrastructure investments, the success of Pickering Casino Resort, and the greater Durham Live destination, has seen tremendous tourism and economic spin-offs – this is a win win for all.”
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