Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation soon will announce a list of up to five finalists for potential casino operators for the central bundle, including the everyday operations of the Slots at Georgian Downs, Casino Rama and a new gaming center in Collingwood or Wasaga Beach, said OLG spokesman Tony Bitonti. “We have to make it a manageable number. There is a lot of interest for the central bundle,” he said. The new casino will feature more than 300 slots and possibly electronic and live table games.
The four sites preferred by council members include the Beachwood Drive at Collingwood Airport Road (DAS Development Corporation), Fairgrounds Road at Beachwood Drive (Stirling Cook Holdings), 486 River Road West (Sceptre Developments) and the former Waterworld site, 550 River Road West (Tru-Star Developments).
Next, the selected finalists will submit a request for proposal, including their preference to operate a casino in Collingwood or Wasaga Beach.
Currently the OLG is in the RFP process for the eastern bundle, Bitonti said.
In November 2012, Wasaga Beach council voted 6-1 in favor of hosting a gaming center. Collingwood council rejected a standalone gaming center in November 2012, but changed its stance to consider a casino resort in March 2013.
