Ontario’s Pickering Casino Resort, being built by One Toronto Gaming, is expected to open in April. The 330,000-square-foot gaming venue is part of a planned $2 billion, 240-acre, multi-use development known as Durham Live.
According to local media, the casino, designed by CGL Architects in association with Chris Dikeakos Architects, will feature 2,350 slot machines, 100 live table games and dining and entertainment facilities. An adjoining five-star, 225-room hotel and concert venue with 2,500 seats is expected to open in the fall.
Phase II of the venture will include 150,000 square feet of restaurants, another 350-room hotel with a 100,000-square-foot convention center, and 250,000 square feet of film studios.
“Upon full build-out, the film studios will be the largest of its kind in Canada,” said Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan. “In addition to filming and production, there will be post-production facilities as well. I can foresee the TriBro film studios becoming one of the main arts, cultural and filming hubs in the province.”
A third phase will add 350,000 square feet of retail space. A fourth phase will include ice rinks and an indoor water park. There will also be VIP cinemas and a golf course.
The broader Durham Live development is being undertaken by Pickering Developments, part of the Triple Group of Companies.
The casino itself, once complete, will employ more than 2,500 workers. Durham Live is expected to create another 7,500 jobs.
“We want to create an urban, walkable, bustling, and sustainable downtown where people can live, work, play, and learn,” said Ryan.
