“Toronto Gaming Facility could create 12,000 jobs”

“This would be one of the largest development projects anywhere - and anytime - in Canada and would involve a capital expenditure of more than $2 billion,” said Godfrey. “Once operational, it will directly employ some 12,000 people in well-paying jobs.”

Godfrey said OLG’s vision for a GTA facility is one of an integrated gaming entertainment centre. It would stand out with bold design and architecture, connect naturally to the community, and work with and support local business. “We envision a facility in which less than 10 per cent of the square footage would be dedicated to table games and slots,” said Godfrey. “There would be gaming, but also hospitality, entertainment and retail.”

While acknowledging that there has been a lot of interest and discussion in the media about the possibility of a Toronto casino, Godfrey indicated that OLG will not impose a gaming facility on any municipality.

“There is a tremendous opportunity here for the City of Toronto,” said Godfrey. “But we believe that there are other municipalities in the GTA that are equally viable hosts for a new gaming facility. OLG is going to move forward with one gaming entertainment centre in the GTA, but we are only going to do so in a community that welcomes us.”

OLG’s Modernization plan will increase its contribution to the Province by $1.3 billion annually, drive billions of dollars in capital investment and create thousands of jobs across Ontario. To date, OLG has heard directly from 33 communities across the province who support a gaming facility in their community.