Pickering Highlights Local Benefits of Casino Partnership

Pickering, ON, June 16, 2025 – This past weekend, the City of Pickering proudly marked the transformative impact of its partnership with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) at the popular Ribfest event presented by Rotary Club of Pickering.

Since the opening of the Pickering Casino Resort in 2021, the City has received over $59.5 million in non-tax gaming revenue through its Municipality Contribution Agreement with OLG. For the 2024–2025 fiscal year alone (April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025), Pickering received $17,167,711 in revenue - representing a major investment in the city’s future.

The Rotary Club of Pickering received a casino-funded community grant this year, making Pickering Rotary Ribfest a fitting venue to showcase the meaningful impact of these investments. Thousands of attendees came together for a weekend of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and all-things bbq.

In alignment with Pickering’s Corporate Strategic Plan and its priorities of enhancing quality of life, driving innovation, and fostering a connected, sustainable community, revenues received from the casino are strategically reinvested to benefit residents, neighbourhoods, and key community assets.

“Our partnership with OLG delivers tangible, lasting benefits across the city,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “From funding essential infrastructure and local services to supporting community events and organizations, these revenues help us build a more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant Pickering. Durham Live and the Pickering Casino Resort continue to revitalize our city, fuel economic development, and create a sense of place that residents can be proud of.”

“OLG is proud to be a vital part of the City of Pickering,” said Kathleen Devine, OLG’s Senior Municipal Relations Manager. “For the last 50 years, since the organization’s start in 1975, 100 per cent of OLG profits are always reinvested in Ontario to support provincial priorities. From critical infrastructure to important local programs, to community festivals and community grant programs, OLG’s profits are hard at work in the City of Pickering and all across our province to build stronger communities. We also appreciate the contribution of gaming 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.”

Highlights from the 2025 Capital and Current Budgets show over $23.5 million in projects funded by casino revenues, including:

• Dunbarton Pool roof and structure replacement
• Construction of outdoor pickleball courts
• Land acquisition and design for Fire Station #5
• Fixtures and equipment for the Pickering Heritage Community Centre
• Community grants to local non-profit organizations

View the City’s Current Budget (page 237/245) for a full list of community grant recipients.

These investments demonstrate how strategic, forward-thinking partnerships support Pickering’s mission to provide meaningful municipal services to its growing and diverse community, efficiently, effectively, and responsibly.

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 118,000) 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.