City councillors in Orillia, in central Ontario, Canada, unanimously approved a motion from the Chippewas of Rama First Nation asking the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to suspend a proposal for an entertainment complex at Niagara Falls. The motion was included in a letter from Chippewas of Rama Chief Rodney Noganosh to Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke, in which Noganosh stated Casino Rama revenue has decreased and jobs have been lost in the past few years because the OLG has allowed new competitors.
Clarke noted, “If it has an impact on Casino Rama, it is likely to be not a positive impact. That could have a significant impact on our local economy in terms of not realizing the economic spinoff from those who visit the casino, but also the employees.” Clarke added Casino Rama has “well over a couple of thousand employees, and many of them live within the city or in the surrounding area. Even if they live outside the city, all those people come into Orillia and drive our economy, so it is a concern for them, and by extension a concern for us.”
Noganosh said the tribe also has urged the OLG to reconsider a development plan for Casino Rama, created in 2010, featuring 300 more hotel rooms and expanded conference space.
Casino-building continues with a recent groundbreaking in south central Ontario for the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation’s Shorelines Casino Belleville. Last year, OLG granted Great Canadian the exclusive right to manage all gambling operations in Ontario’s East Gaming Bundle.
Great Canadian Vice President, Stakeholder Relations and Responsible Gaming, Chuck Keeling said the 48,000 square foot facility, expected to open in the first quarter of 2017, will offer a gaming floor with 400 slots and 22 table games, plus a restaurant, performance space, bar and lounge.
The $32.6 million development will provide 300 new jobs. Per its agreement with the OLG, Shorelines will give 5.25 percent of the first $51.8 million slots revenue and 4 percent of table game income to the city of Belleville.
