A large, empty, half-built banquet hall at Hanover Raceway is to be put to use.
Gateway Casinos and Entertainment will take over the site adjacent to the slots and grandstand.
The company has come to an agreement with the owner, Hanover, Bentinck and Brant Agricultural Society. In 2011, the banquet hall was under construction when changes to the horse racing funding formula with the province forced suspension of construction. It's been empty ever since.
Gateway will use the space and add new food and beverage facilities and a larger gaming floor. It's expected jobs will be added.
Hanover Mayor Sue Paterson says it's great news for Hanover and the area.
"We're thrilled, absolutely thrilled. This is going to have a huge positive impact for Hanover and the region. Additional investment with jobs and of course support for the horse racing industry," says Paterson.
Gateway Casinos spokesperson Rob Mitchell says the investment will be in the millions. Construction is expected to start this spring with completion in the first half of next year. During the work, the existing site in Hanover will operate business as usual including the harness racing season.
