- Woodbine Casino Expansion Date Today
- Woodbine Casino Expansion Date 2019
- Woodbine Casino Expansion Date Codes
- Woodbine Casino Expansion Date 2020
- $30M in annual city revenue expected from Woodbine casino expansion, but concerns persist. In 2022, when the facility is fully built-out, the city can expect to receive $26 to $31 million a year.
- Casino Woodbine / July 3, 2019 by Jennifer Gould The existing Casino Woodbine Casino renovation has been completed and has opened its doors to the public as the project’s temporary gaming floor. Construction for the new casino building and other elements of the entertainment complex will commence in early 2019.
It's predicted that once the casino is in operation, the amount could rise to between $26 million and $31 million per year. And the major Woodbine casino item as amended is APPROVED by Toronto City. This project comprised a multiple staged construction program to revitalize an aging facility. Through the phased approach, the Woodbine Entertainment Group has transformed the facility into a colorful entertainment complex that offers a 60,000 sq. Gaming area that holds 1,700 slot machines, and a newly renovated world class racing floor that services the Woodbine patrons. Further to the City of Toronto announcement on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 that certain businesses, including casinos, will be required to remain closed, Casino Woodbine will remain temporarily closed until further notice.
UPDATED: On Tuesday night, Mayor John Tory's executive committee gave its stamp of approval to the Woodbine casino expansion, with a few caveats.
Several amendments were made, including exploring the possibility of child care for casino employees and beefing up hiring targets.
The interim city manager is set to report back to the full city council next week.
The proposed casino expansion at Woodbine Racetrack could bring in roughly $30 million in annual revenue for the city and provide hundreds of jobs to local workers, but critics aren't sure the project is a safe bet.
A recent report from interim city manager Giuliana Carbone notes that in 2022, when the facility is fully built-out, the city can expect to receive $26 to $31 million a year, according to estimates from the province's Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
'Is this the right way to fund government, by preying on people's addiction?' questioned Coun. Mike Layton, who has been a vocal critic of the project. 'Most of the money that comes into casinos is from people who have a problem with gambling.'
Layton also believes the potential expansion isn't living up to previous promises.
The latest annual city revenue numbers, he notes, are lower than earlier projections. He also says the most recent report doesn't dive into the potential costs to the city, be it policing or social costs stemming from problem gambling.
City has 21 conditions on hiring, problem gambling
Woodbine Casino Expansion Date Today
Carbone's report suggests city council put a stamp of approval on the efforts of service provider Ontario Gaming GTA LP to meet various conditions laid out by council in 2015, which include mitigating the negative impacts of gambling by working with city staff and the medical officer of health.
Those 21 conditions also include boosting tourism and providing jobs, with a commitment to having at least 40 percent of employees hired in the community and through local social agencies.
Woodbine Casino Expansion Date 2019
All the conditions have all been met, notes the report, which also recommends the city enter into a formal Community Benefits Agreement with Ontario Gaming.
'We think it could be stronger'
Rosemarie Powell, executive director of advocacy group Toronto Community Benefits Network, wants the number of local hires boosted to 60 percent and hopes child care will be provided for workers at the Rexdale-based racetrack.
'We want to see reporting and oversight mechanisms so the public can be assured that jobs and investments will actually benefit the local community,' she said.
3,700 new jobs expected by end of 2022
By the end of 2022, the facility is expected to provide roughly 3,700 new jobs.
Carbone's report says Ontario Gaming plans to ensure at least half of the employees will be working full-time after two years of operation.
As CBC reported last year, many northern Etobicoke residents are hopeful that the casino expansion will revitalize an area that lost upwards of 20,000 jobs between 2001 and 2011.
The multi-use development is touted by Woodbine Entertainment Group as a 'city within a city,' with shopping, offices, two hotels and a performance venue alongside the expanded gaming facility.
Casino Woodbine is being developed by Ontario Gaming GTA LP on 33 acres within the overall Woodbine Masterplan. The gaming precinct has been designed by CGL Architects in association with Chris Dikeakos Architects and will become a landmark entertainment destination attracting new local, regional and international visitors.
The development will include a major expansion to the existing casino and will ultimately include 5,000 gaming machines, 400 table games, a 5,000 seat multipurpose performance venue, multiple food and beverage offerings, 2 new hotels including a pool, spa and retail facilities integrated seamlessly with existing racetrack operations.
As guests arrive at the main entrance, a grand lobby with intuitive wayfinding will act as a central hub, directing guests to the casino, racing, hotels and performance venue. The newly integrated facilities will provide dynamic views with the addition of viewing platforms and amenities including restaurants, lounges, VIP suites and hotel rooms. The promenade along the racetrack apron will be animated with restaurant terraces and landscaped open spaces.
Woodbine Casino Expansion Date Codes
Vehicular, pedestrian and public transportation will be integrated throughout the property. Parking will be concealed beneath the main expansion and within a parking structure fronted with retail shops and a decorative facade treatment. A pleasant pedestrian connection from the intersection of Rexdale Boulevard and Highway 27 will lead through a large landscaped parkette to the promenade along the edge of the racetrack.
Woodbine Casino Expansion Date 2020
The new development will have strong connectivity between the gaming precinct and the broader development, which will create a cohesive and exciting public experience. The design and development team continues to cook closely with the City of Toronto Planning and Building Departments to ensure a successful and exciting world class entertainment destination.
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