The city of London, Ontario planning and environmental committee last week voted to rezone lands owned by the city and the Western Fair District so that Gateway Casinos and Entertainment can go forward with its proposed $140 million casino, hotel and entertainment complex on about 47 acres.
The complex would include a 125-room hotel, a grandstand, dining, 1,200 slot machines and 46 table games.
The zoning change doesn’t mean that the year-long negotiations are over between Gateway and the governmental entities have been resolved, but at least one stumbling block is removed.
The committee voted to open the process to more public input on the complex’s site plan.
Also, Gateway will spend about $18 million to upgrade its Hanover property in the Canadian province of Ontario. The property will be rebranded as Playtime Casino Hanover.
General Manager Linda McColl explained “This is the beginning of a whole new gaming and entertainment experience for Hanover. The Hanover, Bentinick & Brant Agricultural Society have been great partners in this venture making space available to us in in the former proposed Carriage Hall banquet facility.”
Hanover Mayor Sue Paterson commented, “On behalf of council, we are equally excited about Gateway’s growth plans for Hanover. We believe Gateway couldn’t have picked a better community in which to invest $18 million.”
The project will expand the existing 32,672 square foot casino floor by the addition of a 3,283 SF mezzanine, which will have 300 slots and eight table games. The Playtime brand is intended to integrate “high energy and fun.”
The plans are pending regulatory approval. Once approved, they are expected to be complete by December.
The rebranded Hanover property will also showcase Gateway’s restaurant brands, Match Eatery, Public House and The Buffet. The Match Eatery and Public House combines the traditions of a neighborhood pub and sports bar.
The project is expected to create 70 new jobs.
Gateway previously announced plans for a new $36 million Cascades Casino at Chatham-Kent and earlier began a $26 renovation at Gateway Point Edward, which is being rebranded as Starlight Casino Point Edward.
