Peterborough’s new casino is set to open on Monday evening.
Ontario Gaming East Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, says Shorelines Casino Peterborough on Crawford Drive will open at 5 p.m. on Oct. 15.
“Opening day will be an exciting one for our 300 team members — 180 of which are new — who are all very eager to showcase the new facility to the city and the marketplace,” stated casino general manager Bryan Buchanan.
The 50,000-square-foot full-service casino features 500 slot machines, 22 live dealer table games (blackjack, roulette and baccarat) a Racebook and a live entertainment area. There’s also a 280 seat buffet restaurant, a 40 seat à la carte restaurant and lounge.
“As we get ready to open our doors and offer an unparalleled gaming and entertainment experience to our guests, we want to recognize the efforts of all the local businesses and trades personnel who worked on this project,” said Buchanan. “Hiring local talent was very important to us and together we have constructed an exceptional facility.”
The City of Peterborough will get a slice of the pie when it comes to slots revenue. It will receive approximately five per cent of the revenue quarterly. That works out to around $6 million annually.
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“We’re going to use those funds for capital projects in the community which is the appropriate use of those funds,” said Daryl Bennett, Peterborough mayor.
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During the planning stages of the new casino in Peterborough, there was opposition by a citizens group called ‘No Casino Peterborough’. It included a court filing against the casino by Roy Brady. Brady said he will continue to monitor the new casino closely.
“We’re going to make sure it’s run properly. That labour is treated properly. That social help that’s promised is followed,” said Brady. “So the casino needs to run properly according to the law and morality.”
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It will be “business as usual” on Monday for Peterborough Police. The service tells CHEX News, it doesn’t plan to increase patrols in the area around the casino.
The grand opening will include a ribbon cutting, live entertainment and a special commemorative gift for the first 2,500 guests.