Pickering, ON, August 26th, 2024 – Last weekend, the City of Pickering proudly celebrated the significant community and economic benefits of being a host gaming site through a cheque presentation at the PARA Marine Search and Rescue Waterfront Festival.
Since the opening of the Pickering Casino Resort in July 2021, the City of Pickering has received non-tax gaming revenue payments totalling $47,974,125 from Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation (as of June 30, 2024). These funds are part of the Municipal Contribution Agreement with OLG and represent a significant investment in the city’s future.
The City of Pickering is reinvesting these revenues into the community, supporting many local programs, initiatives, and infrastructure projects. This reinvestment enhances the quality of life for Pickering residents by funding everything from parks and recreation to services and cultural events. PARA Marine Search and Rescue is among many community recipients benefiting from this agreement.
Since 1967, PARA Marine Search & Rescue has been dedicated to saving lives and ensuring safety on Lake Ontario, with volunteers on call 24/7. Over the years, they have saved over 200 lives and assisted more than 3,000 people in emergencies. The funds received from OLG have been instrumental in supporting their programs and initiatives, including the recent Waterfront Festival, which attracted thousands of residents and visitors this past weekend.
“The benefits of this partnership extend far beyond the casino floor, leaving a lasting, positive impact in every corner of our community,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “These funds have allowed us to directly enhance our city services, strengthen our infrastructure, and back the community programs that enrich the lives of everyone in Pickering. These enhancements are also complemented by the Pickering Casino Resort and Durham Live, which have revitalized our city, making it a dynamic hub for tourism and boosting local economic growth.”
“Every year, 100 percent of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario to support provincial and local priorities,” said Kathleen Devine, OLG’s Senior Municipal Relations Manager. “OLG’s profits are hard at work in the City of Pickering and all across our province to build stronger communities. OLG is proud to see how Pickering is making investments in critical local infrastructure, vital municipal programs and community festivals that benefit all its residents. Much appreciation goes to the employees at Pickering Casino Resort whose contributions are also helping make the community that much better. When you play at an Ontario casino, you play for Ontario.”
During the 2023 calendar year, casino revenues have been used for the following Current and Capital Budget items:
- Funding for 24 community groups as part of the City’s Community Grants Program
- Snow clearing program for seniors and persons with disabilities
- Construction of Beverley Morgan Park track replacement
- Consulting for City Centre project
- Purchase of bush mulcher
- Payout to the Region of Durham (revenue sharing agreement)
- Bill 23 revenue loss top-up
The 2024 Capital and Current Budget includes over $21 million of projects to be funded by casino revenues, including the Beachfront Park construction, Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex tennis court replacement, Brockridge Community Park Parking Lot Improvements, City Centre Park (Design), Petticoat Creek Master Plan, grants to community organizations and the snow clearing program for seniors and persons with disabilities.
As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 100,000) 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.
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© City of Pickering One The Esplanade, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 6K7
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[Submitted by Mike Borie]
