Starting from February 28, 2022, Casino Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec is once more up and running for the public. This is possible after last month the Provincial Government announced that starting from the end of February it will be lifting some of the health and safety protocols in the province and allowing casinos and bars to renew work.
At the end of December last year, Quebec imposed new health restrictions on many businesses, including the casino industry, which was required to close down gaming properties. The decision from the local government was due to the increasing cases of the unprecedented situation in the province and thus being able to slow down its spread.
Back to Work
After being sidelined for two months, Casino Lac-Leamy officially restarted operations on Monday, February 28, 2022, when the provincial government order went into motion. According to the new protocols, the casino can operate at 50 per cent of its maximum patron capacity, and both guests and staff are required to wear face masks while at the property.
Starting from this Monday, the Gatineau gaming property will be operational every day of the week with working hours from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Despite the lift of some health restrictions, patrons would still have to present their vaccination passports and a valid photo ID to gain entry to the property. Masks are also mandatory, says the casino.
Casino Lac-Leamy is now also offering dining amenities as according to the management the Banco Bistro and the Arome: Seafood and Grill are now available to patrons for dining. According to provincial protocols, food and alcohol can be served until 12 a.m. In addition to that, live entertainment at the property will remain suspended until further notice.
The Province of Quebec informed that it will further ease health and safety protocols this month. Starting from March 14, 2022, all entertainment establishments, including casino properties, will be allowed to welcome guests at their maximum capacity. Additionally, if health indicators continue to improve, the province will also lift the vaccine passports requirement.
Contract Issue Resolved
Earlier this year, the Gatineau gaming facility finally put to bed its dispute with staff members. At the end of January, CUPE 3892, a union that represents 300 workers from the casino, announced the ratification of a tentative agreement with Loto-Québec, which will increase employees’ wages. The proposal by the Crown corporation was approved by 96% of the staff who were in favor of it.
December Controversy
In December 2021, Casino Lac-Leamy got itself in trouble as a Radio-Canada investigation discovered that the property has failed to properly impose provincial health and safety measures. The investigation found that many patrons of the venue were not wearing their protective face masks, while staff members did not remind them to put them back on.
Source: Pringle, Josh “Gatineau bars, Casino du Lac Leamy reopen as Quebec lifts some COVID-19 restrictions”, CTV News Ottawa, February 28, 2022
