The new Cascades Casino North Bay, in Ontario, has opened its doors. The venue conducted a “soft opening” on Wednesday at 5 p.m., about three years after groundbreaking and following months of debate and construction delays. It also comes a decade after the Canadian province first announced its plans to expand casino gaming across the region. A grand opening is planned for later this spring.
“This is an exciting and long-awaited day for North Bay, Gateway Casinos and all our customers and employees. This new attraction is testimony to the resiliency and determination of many over the past two years as the pandemic created many challenges,” said Gateway CEO Tony Santo. “Today we unveil a state-of-the-art entertainment destination that families and friends can enjoy from all around the region.”
Rob Mitchell, director of communications and public affairs for Gateway Casinos, described the $41 million development as a “marathon,” according to CBC News. Construction was affected by what he describes as “very confusing” Covid rules and labor shortages during the pandemic.
While the casino industry was hit hard by the pandemic, Mitchell argues it is now bouncing back amid pent-up demand. He further described business as now being “very strong,” and with the North Bay venue now up and running, Gateway Casinos will be able to put more focus and energy on its other sites.
This includes a casino in Sault Ste. Marie, which opened as a “temporary” venue in 1999 and has remained under this status ever since, and Sudbury, where the company has plans to build a new project as part of the Kingsway Entertainment District. However, the Sudbury casino has remained in limbo since approval, amid legal challenges.
The new North Bay casino is set to employ 200 people. A 39,000 square foot venue, it is equipped with 300 machines, 10 electronic tables, six blackjack and roulette tables, and an adjacent restaurant called “The Match Eatery.” Additionally, a bar overlooks the gaming floor, and there’s a place called the “Play Smart Centre” to teach customers about responsible gambling, reports Northern Ontario.
But in addition to highlighting the latest gaming offerings, officials for Gateway drew attention to the “state-of-the-art” kitchen with locally sourced food and drink, as well as a stage for local entertainment and a large patio. The company sees this as “critical” to its business model, which aims to offer “something for just about everyone,” beyond gambling.
“You don’t need to be specifically a gamer to come here and have a good time,” officials said. Inside the restaurant, there are TVs set up for sports games, while a room called “The Bud Room” can be used to host small gatherings or meetings.
The outdoor patio, described in a press release as “beautiful and spacious,” offers a three-season dining experience starting through the spring, summer and fall with cooling mist dispensed on summer days and outdoor firepit heaters when the temperatures drop.
“I feel the reception is going to be amazing,” said James Sweeney, the General Manager of Food and Beverage, according to Bay Today. “There’s a lot of buzz in the community. Everywhere I go people are asking me about it. The atmosphere from staff is electric. Staff are ecstatic about the menu and the venue. We’re very excited.”
North Bay Mayor Al McDonald also expressed happiness at seeing the facility complete. “There’s profit sharing. We’re going to get a percentage of the sales, which is substantial,” the Mayor said. “It’s estimated to be between $1 and $2 million.” Additionally, city officials believe it will help the tourism sector.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2022/03/10/61723-gateway-39s-cascades-casino-north-bay-opens-its-doors-in-ontario
