Canada: Gateway Casinos authorized to build complex in southwest London

Though council voted 9-4 to give Gateway the green light to build a casino and restaurant complex on a Wonderland Road site north of Highway 401, the decision was muddled by nearly an hour of procedural jargon at Tuesday’s meeting.

The technical debate was punctuated by a passionate speech from Mayor Ed Holder, who warned his colleagues not to throw up any roadblocks, including forcing another public meeting to discuss details of the site plan. He argued it could cost London the casino – and the 1,000 jobs Gateway has promised, the London Free Press reports.

“They can go north of the 401 or they can go south,” he said, referring to other communities, like St. Thomas, that had said they’d be happy to welcome a casino.

“As someone who understands that time delays mean real money . . . it’s an indicator that London isn’t open for business,” Holder added.

Councillors Anna Hopkins, Elizabeth Peloza, Mo Salih and Stephen Turner voted against the rezoning of Gateway’s properties on Wonderland Road near Wharncliffe Road. The ward councillor, Paul Van Meerbergen was absent, as was Ward 13 Coun. Arielle Kayabaga.

All others joined Holder in voting to allow the casino.

Construction could begin as early as September, Gateway spokesperson Rob Mitchell said. The council vote brings a “sense of relief,” he said.

“We can focus on the future now, moving forward. I think now is the next chapter, it’s going to be a really exciting time for us.”

City staff backed the rezoning for Gateway’s parcel on Wonderland Road near Wharncliffe Road – just south of the big box retail corridor in the area – calling it a “reasonable extension” of the shopping area and a “good fit.”

Council also voted 11-2 in favor of more consultation with nearby First Nations communities, feedback that will be considered by staff as they work out the finer details of Gateway’s plan, such as specific designs for lighting, landscaping, and drainage. Holder and Coun. Steven Lehman were opposed.

Gateway has said the casino will be their largest investment in Ontario to date. The B.C.-based company operates 28 casinos across the country, all located in B.C., Alberta and Ontario.