Casino Rama Resort in Orillia, Ontario remains closed since mid-March due to the provincial government’s limit of 50 guests. Robert Mitchell, director of communications and public affairs at Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, operator of the facility, said the restrictions make it “not feasible to reopen a resort of this size” at this time. However, he added, Gateway is hopeful the government “may reconsider the current occupancy restrictions that may permit Casino Rama to open at a future date.”
Health Ministry spokesperson David Jensen said that’s not going to happen in the near future. ”In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and other health experts, the government has put in place measures to ensure the continued health and safety of Ontarians, reduce the risk of transmission and limit future outbreaks of Covid-19,” Jensen said.
Chippewas of Rama First Nation Chief Ted Williams said the closure of Casino Rama has had a significant impact on the community, such as a drop in visitors and subsequent loss of casino revenue. Prior to its closure, the casino employed 1,660 people. “We’ve got a number of individuals who are waiting to get back to work,” Williams said. He noted the tribe receives 1.9 percent of the casino’s gross revenues, “so obviously there is an impact there.” Williams said the tribe is working with the province and Gateway “for a safe and timely reopening. As much as we’d like to see the casino reopen, we don’t want to have it at the expense of health and safety,” he said.
Unifor Local 1090 President Corey Dalton noted limiting a casino with nearly 200,000 square feet of gaming space to 50 guests is not realistic. He said Gateway has invested heavily in safety protocols. “This closure is causing devastating impacts to our members and to all casino workers,” Dalton said.
Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke emphasized, “When they lose their income and the visitors aren’t coming here, it’s a double hit.”
