North Bay is about to get its first casino venue and its location is already known. Gateway Casinos and Entertainment announced its final decision to build its newest gaming facility in the area of Highway 11. The site of construction is going to be near the Nipissing Junction on Pinewood Park Drive in the south end of North Bay.

The controversy around the local habitat of Blanding’s turtles is still on the table. The official confirmation of the chosen site comes after weeks of anticipation, as the casino developer was carefully estimating the pros and cons of building on this particular site.

As it was confirmed, the casino complex is going to rise on a 7.3-acre land lot that would provide a constant flow of potential customers around the gaming venue and the more family-friendly offerings it features.

Casino Operator Awaits Municipal Nod

The casino operator has eyed the south end of North Bay and this choice appears to has the potential of transforming the local gaming field. The community is also projected to benefit immensely from casino operation, as it is going to receive gaming revenue allocations.

A mandatory next step would be the official green light given by local officials. Estimated time of construction would be this summer, giving the casino operator enough time to make the casino complex a dream come true. About a year would be needed for the construction of the CA$31.3-million casino location, as projections are that it would be ready to welcome its first casino patrons in the spring of 2020.

Cascades Casino North Bay is expected to bring some 14,100 square feet of gaming offerings meeting all expectations. The gaming floor itself is going to feature as many as 300 slot devices, in addition to some 10 gaming tables ready to meet everyone’s preferences. Gateway Casinos has yet to reveal more about the project and everything there is going to be up for grabs. Family-friendly offerings would feature the signature MATCH Public House and Eatery, as well as The Buffet.

Construction Will Start Soon

MATCH usually comes with a sports bar making the venue ready for potential single-event sports wagering regulation in the foreseeable future. Keith Andrews, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Gateway Ontario, pointed out that the land has already been purchased and preparation for the next phases is underway. Work with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is in progress, as it would guarantee smooth progress.

Mayor Al McDonald stated that North Bay is ready for casino operation guaranteeing a steady income for hundreds of locals, as well as a flow of tourists and people from neighboring communities. It could be recalled that mid-January a group seeking protection of the so-called smiling turtles claimed that the new casino venue is going to destroy their existing habitat near Pinewood Park Drive.

Back then, the casino operator stated it is going to work with North Bay in order to find a mutually beneficial solution that would not harm the animals. The collaboration between Gateway Casinos and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry appears to have been productive and the official decision for construction site was issued. Ontario will soon greenlight a CA$4.5-million program protecting endangered species.