This week, officials of Niagara Falls gathered at Firemen’s Park to recognize the impact of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and its gambling operations on the city. The city hosts two of its casinos and through a revenue sharing agreement, it has received over CA$200 million from its gambling revenue which has supported numerous local projects and initiatives.
The city is host to Fallsview Casino Resort and Niagara Falls Casino Resort, via a contract, the OLG sends annual payment to the city. These contributions have supported everything from road improvements and park upgrades to new playground equipment, the new South Niagara hospital, recreational facilities, and economic development initiatives, while also keeping property tax down.
Celebrating OLG and Its Positive Impact
Richard Taylor, President of Niagara Casinos, said the local community and business leader had a vision over 30 years ago that casinos would aid boost the economy in a positive way. He noted the casinos are the city’s largest commercial employer with an annual payroll of CA$160 million, while also boosting the city’s economy through a buy-local model that supports over 240 businesses.
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati shared that the Crown agency delivered almost CA$20 million to the city in the last fiscal year alone. He added the partnership with OLG has benefited people in the city in many ways. The mayor explained that this is something the administration reminds all the time, and how groups come together for a common cause to make change for the greater good.
The celebratory event took place near the children’s memorial walkway and Shannon Mitchell, representing MPP Wayne Gates, said the walkway is a valuable addition to the city. She said that being at the spot, one can feel how special it is for the local community. OLG’s Karen Smiley said the agency delivered over CA$200 million in payments to the city since the opening of the casinos.
Lastly, Mr. Taylor OLG’s contributions, working with partners like tourism agencies, local businesses, and the city, have had a long-term impact on the city’s economy. He stated that all of the above have helped bolster the economy of Niagara Falls from a seasonal tourism destination to a year-round location that supports plenty of jobs.
At the start of the month, OLG along with the Responsible Gambling Council and Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment opened a new PlaySmart Centre at Fallsview Casino Resort. Located in the Galleria by Ponte Vecchio, the centre is expected to attract even more visitors to familiarize themselves with the available interactive and responsible play tools.
More Municipalities Honour OLG
Last month, the Town of Gananoque and the Township of Leeds and the Thousand hosted an invitation-only garden party in Town Hall Square, Gananoque to thank the OLG for its support. The two municipalities are currently benefiting from being host to the Crown’s Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands. For the current year, the Crown has provided CA$1,145,047 each to a total of CA$2,290,094.
Source: “OLG’s $200 million in contributions to Niagara Falls celebrated” Niagara This Week, October 4, 2023
