The city council in Innisfil, Ontario, Canada recently unanimously voted to approve Gateway Casinos’ Minister’s Zoning Order request to rezone land near Highway 400 and Highway 89 so it can build a new gaming facility before the lease on Georgian Downs expires in late 2027 or early 2028.
Innisfil Deputy Mayor Kenneth Fowler told OrilliaMatters.com that Gateway’s rezoning request “is something we can take very seriously because they have a proven track record.” He noted several capital projects have been funded thanks to casino revenue. “This is something that will benefit Innisfil overall,” Fowler said.
Since the casino opened in 2001, Innisfil has received more than $107 million in revenue sharing. Nearly $7 million of that total has been generated since 2018 when Gateway took over Georgian Downs management under the Ontario Lottery and Gaming’s revenue sharing agreement.
Gateway’s Minister’s Zoning Order request targets 239 Reive Boulevard, which makes up about 30 percent of the Innisfil Creek Golf Club. The property is zoned Commercial Tourist, which does not include casino gambling. However, the zoning bylaw and official plan amendment process could take 18 months. Gateway officials said under that timeline, it could not continue to operate an Innisfil casino in 2028.
City Planning and Growth Director Andria Leigh said if the MZO is approved, “There’s a fairly significant process to construct this new casino and then there’s a transfer process to relocate to this location.” The process would include public comment and consultation with Indigenous communities. Leigh added environmental studies also would be required.
Gateway manages the casino at Georgian Downs, however, the overall property is operated by Great Canadian Entertainment. Its spokesman, Bruce Barber, said the company will respect whatever decision the town makes regarding the MZO.
However, Barber noted to OrilliaMatters, “If Gateway ultimately chooses to move casino operations from Georgian Downs, it will mean the end of horseracing in the current location, as well as the closure of the current location.”
Barber added closing the venue would affect Georgian Downs employees as well as the racing industry, which receives $2.5 million in winnings annually. He also refuted OLG’s previous claim that racing is guaranteed to remain in Innisfil until 2028. Barber said, “The reality of if it is, we’re not sure where it will go after this year. There is no contract with the Ontario government via Ontario Racing after 2026.”
Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin told OrilliaMatters, “It’s always been Innisfil’s modus operandi to get out of the way of business and let them do what they feel is best for them. Each of the companies needs to make the decision they feel is best for their company and move forward the way they wish to move forward.”
