In a Monday press release, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation and Brookfield Business Partners unveiled their ambitious casino expansion plan for Great Blue Heron Casino. The move came shortly after Great Canadian Gaming Corporation and Brookfield Business Partners have successfully completed the acquisition of the gaming assets in the Greater Toronto Area (the “GTA Bundle”).
On 23rd January, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has signed a 22-year Casino Operating and Services Agreement (COSA) with Great Canadian Gaming Corporation and Brookfield Business Partners. The two companies officially took over the day-to-day operations and assets of OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack, OLG Slots at Ajax Downs and Great Blue Heron Casino through a $170 million transition and asset purchase agreement with OLG. Yesterday, the two companies laid out their casino expansion plans for Great Blue Heron Casino.
The two partners are expected to invest more than C$700 to upgrade the facilities. At an event hosted by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN), who first opened the gaming hall in 1997, the two companies unveiled their plans for the expansion of the Great Blue Heron Casino. The move came in line with OLGās plan to modernize gambling options in Ontario. The two partners presented a draft proposal that includes a 20,000-square-foot addition for more table games and slot machines.
First Look Behind the Curtains
Great Canadian Gaming, which operates Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs is to relocate OLG slot machines from Kawartha Downs to the Great Blue Heron casino. On 6th September last year, the turned sod to mark the beginning of the construction of the new Shorelines Casino Peterborough at Crawford Drive and The Parkway.
As for non-gambling activities, the operator suggested the construction of a 100-room hotel complex. In addition to that, the draft proposal includes a 500-seat entertainment center for live musical acts. The two partners announced that they do not consider a name change, but they are to develop a new marketing strategy in order to strengthen its presence on the market. In late February, the two operators are expected to provide additional details regarding the casino expansion.
The renovation of the gambling property is set to begin sometime this spring and the whole renovation project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. However, it was announced that the Great Blue Heron will continue to welcome its guests despite the ongoing construction work. Industry observers believe that the ambitious revamp project is to boost the casino industry in the area.
Some time ago, OLG announced the launch of its modernization plan, aiming at revitalizing Ontarioās worn-out gambling operations. It is not a secret that the gambling industry is intertwined with the economic growth of a country. That is the reason why OLG has begun a search for private service providers to help enhance and expand the provinceās gambling industry.
