Pickering to Share its Casino Revenues with Durham Region – a First in Ontario

Pickering, ON, March 23, 2023 – Today, Mayor Kevin Ashe and Members of Pickering Council, along with Regional Chair John Henry, marked the City of Pickering’s commitment to voluntarily share its gaming revenues with the Region of Durham, which will act as a critical source of funding in advancing shared priorities for the broader community.

Since Pickering Casino Resort opened its doors in July 2021, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has issued non-tax gaming revenue payments totaling $20,253,780 (up to December 31, 2022) to the City of Pickering for hosting the facility.

Pickering is a municipality within the Region of Durham. As the upper-tier municipal government, Durham is responsible for providing social housing, transit, policing, and other services to residents across the region. Pickering is the first and only host municipality in Ontario to voluntarily share its revenues with another municipality and/or regional government. Together, the City and Region hope this revenue will help to meaningfully address their shared goals including more affordable housing and social services in the community.

The agreement stipulates that revenue sharing will be retro-active to January 1, 2023 with payments made by the City to the Region annually. Each year, the City will retain the first $10 million in casino revenues (through its hosting agreement with OLG) and will then split the remaining balance 50/50 with the Region of Durham, with a cap of $6 million per year.

Quotes

“The City of Pickering has made a remarkable commitment with this historic revenue sharing agreement. As a recognized municipal leader, we are taking a proactive step towards building a stronger, more equitable community for all, by sharing our casino gaming revenues with the Region of Durham. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need and create a brighter future for residents across our region.”

- Mayor Kevin Ashe

“The Region of Durham and City of Pickering have entered into an exciting partnership to share revenue generated by the Pickering casino. This new opportunity will provide exceptional value to Durham taxpayers. It's a partnership designed to offer responsive, effective, and fiscally sustainable service delivery; focused on the delivery of exceptional quality services and value.”

– John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham

The Memorandum of Understanding for the Sharing of Pickering Casino Revenues is outlined in Report CAO 02-23. 

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 99,200) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.

Media Contact:

Mark Guinto
Division Head, Public Affairs & Corporate Communications | Office of the CAO
905.420.4660 ext. 2013  |  1.866.683.2760
mguinto@pickering.ca