North Bay Is projected to see major development in 2020, as Gateway Casinos & Entertainment is currently building its next independent casino complex. Cascades Casino North Bay would see the light of day mid-2020, according to projections, but the city has already commenced discussion on the ways traffic to and fro the gaming venue could be optimized. The intersection of Pinewood Park Drive, Lakeshore Drive, and Lamorie Street would have to get some work done.
A brand new casino venue featuring a wide array of offerings, as well as a family-friendly factor to it is projected to attract quite the crowd down the road. The constant traffic expected to make the area busier than ever would have to be alleviated in one way or another. Cars traveling to the casino venue or the premium restaurant located next to it could eventually make life hard for everyone.
Roundabout Could Make Life Easier
This is the main reason why North Bay’s City Council is willing to find a way to avoid this at all costs. The aforementioned roads leading to the casino complex meet at the Nipissing Junction, a spot that already experiences increased traffic as it is. Construction site of the future Gateway Casino is located slightly off the junction of the roads eventually making it possible for drivers to get on Highway 11.
They also have the option of using the highway overpass to reach Dupont Road. It should also be taken into account that the area of future Cascades Casino North Bay also features a Tim Hortons location, a Beef n’ Brand one, and Ramada by Wyndham Pinewood Park Resort, further increasing traffic levels in the south end of the city.
Projections are that a Burger King location would also launch operation in the foreseeable future. The first step of this preparation process includes an Environmental Assessment and Traffic Impact Study focusing on this very area of North Bay. The results of this evaluation would be issued later this year.
Project Could Cost Some CA$1.6m
However, the intersection has been estimated to be nearing its capacity, calling for a change in the way vehicles navigate the south area of North Bay. One of the possible solutions would be a roundabout optimizing traffic flow. Moreover, a reimagined signalized intersection could also be a solution worth taking into account.
Gateway Casinos announced it is ready to fund a portion of the project ensuring that potential casino patrons would make their way there. Mayor McDonald stated that the roundabout and the additional lane would have to become a reality in the area. Initial projections are that the project would cost some CA$1.6 million. Estimations show that the traffic increase could reach up to 195 new trips to and fro the casino complex in the hours with high activity in the area.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new casino complex was held at the end of May. Meanwhile, the casino operator evaluates its Wasaga Beach project that would soon see its building permit issued. For the time being, the casino operator has not revealed a groundbreaking date for Cascades Casino Wasaga Beach, as the locations about to launch next year have been prioritized.
