Despite strong opposition from the local industry, Kingsway Entertainment District has been approved and parliamentary approval is pending in April, but it may open in 2020.
At a public hearing on Wednesday, Greater Sudbury’s planning committee approved a zoning application filed by developer Dario Zulich. This allows the empty site of Kingsway to be used for the construction of stadiums and parking lots. On Monday, the committee gave a thumbs-up to the zoning change for casinos. The 20-hectare empty site owned by Zulich can now be used to build Kingsway Entertainment District, which is expected to be a large gambling and entertainment hub that will attract customers from other communities across Ontario. 온라인카지노
But the planning committee’s decision was met with opposition from businessmen and even other groups, including religious leaders. The majority of those attending two public hearings this week spoke out against the casino and arena projects. On Wednesday, representatives from the Sudbury Business Improvement Association told councillors that the zoning approval was full of “errors of the law” and that the project should have been investigated as profitable and feasible before sanctioning it.
Other opponents of Kingsway Entertainment District said plans were underway, with Julich not preparing the required documents. According to some speakers, councilors should have called for an environmental assessment of the project and a study of the economic impact of casinos and stadiums on the community. Urban Metrics’ Rowan Paloudi explains that the new complex will be a competition for the only retail industry left in entertainment, Sudbury Downtown, saying the impact on the city center will be devastating. Nevertheless, many believe that casinos will benefit cities and residents.
When will the new casino open?
Sudbury’s planning committee approved a zoning change to the city’s official plan, which is still not valid. Council members will ratify or reject the committee’s decision at a meeting scheduled for April 10. If approved, casino projects will require more permission from municipalities. It could also challenge Ontario’s new regional planning appeals court, which could further delay construction work.
Canadian gambling and entertainment giant Gateway Casino & Entertainment has expressed interest in building a casino in Kingsway. It currently operates a harness racing track and slot store in Sudbury Downs, and when built, a new casino will replace the old slot location. Gateway is proposing a large casino to be developed on more than 6 hectares of land and will have several restaurants along with the game floor.
This would require an investment of about $60 million, but would be a profitable move according to the company. It will also create about 250 jobs in the region and contribute significantly to the local economy and municipal finances along with the stadium. Developer Dario Zulich believes casinos could be built by 2020.