Pickering recognizes community benefits from OLG gaming revenues
Pickering, ON, August 11th, 2023 – The City of Pickering was proud to mark the important economic and community benefits of being a host gaming site through a cheque presentation at today’s opener of the Pickering Food Truck Festival.
Since Pickering Casino Resort opened in July 2021, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has issued non-tax gaming revenue payments, totaling $24,484,059 (up to March 31, 2023), to the City of Pickering for hosting the facility, as part of its Municipal Contribution Agreement with Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation (OLG).
The City is reinvesting these revenues in the community to support local programs, initiatives, and infrastructure. The organizers behind the Pickering Food Truck Festival are just one of the many community recipients to benefit from the agreement, receiving funds to support the 3-day food truck festival that is expected to welcome 25,000 visitors.
“These critical revenue payments are making a real and meaningful impact in our community,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “As well as supporting a broad array of municipal services, programs, events, and infrastructure investments, the success of Pickering Casino Resort, and the greater Durham Live destination, has seen tremendous tourism and economic spin-offs – this is a win win for all.”
“This partnership enables the City of Pickering to invest in vital projects and services that enhance the quality of life for all Pickering residents,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “It drives economic growth, creates tangible improvements, and supports the community's well-being.”
“OLG is proud to be a vital part of the City of Pickering and we look forward to continuing to build on that support”, said Kathleen Devine, OLG’s Senior Municipal Relations Manager. “Each and every year, 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario to support provincial priorities. From critical infrastructure to important local programs, to community festivals, OLG’s profits are hard at work in Pickering and all across our province to build stronger communities. We also appreciate the contribution of gaming site employees at Pickering Casino Resort who are making life in Pickering that much better. When you play at an Ontario casino, you play for Ontario.”
To date, Casino revenues have been used for the following Current and Capital Budget items:
- Funding for 19 community groups as part of the City’s Community Grants Program
- Consulting for Naming Rights and Sponsorship Evaluation Strategy for City facilities (including City Centre)
- City Centre project-related planning activities and design costs
- Gravel lot parking upgrades (behind Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex)
The 2023 Capital and Current Budget includes over $10 million of projects to be funded by casino revenues, including the Bay Ridges Kinsmen Park soccer turf replacement, Beverly Morgan Park track replacement, various pedestrian signal upgrades, various fire station hall upfits, and the snow clearing program for senior citizens.
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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 100,000) 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:
Shauna Muir
Supervisor, Public Affairs & Corporate Communications | Office of the CAO
905.420.4660 ext. 2134 | 1.866.683.2760
smuir@pickering.ca
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