Gateway Casinos & Entertainment has announced a $26-million renovation to rebrand the Point Edward Casino as a "Starlight Casino."
CEO Tony Santo made the noon hour announcement Thursday at the waterfront gaming facility.
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment CEO Tony Santo and Point Edward Mayor Bev Hand. June 29, 2017 (Photo by Melanie Irwin)
"It's a very big renovation and something that we're excited about," says Santo. "We can bring one of our brands to Ontario. It's a successful brand for us. So, we're always excited when we can deploy something that works."
He says the new Starlight Casino will feature an enhanced gaming floor and new dining and culinary options; including the Buffet and Gateway's signature MATCH Eatery & Public House -- a family friendly restaurant. Both restaurants will include outdoor dining.
"It's going to be a more current gaming offering, that customers are used to seeing when they travel outside of Point Edward," says Santo. "It will be more in line with what they're used to seeing in Windsor, Niagara or across the border in the states."
Construction is set to begin later this summer and open next year.
"The casino is going to stay open," says Santo. "So, it's a lot of coordination between the construction staff and the operation staff."
Point Edward Mayor Bev Hand says it's a huge investment in the village that will benefit all of Sarnia-Lambton.
"The casino has been our partner for 17 years," says Hand. "Annually, we recognize what was given to us and what we've spent [quarterly payments] on. The capital projects and things in the past like a fire truck and a dump truck. Every year we honour them and communicate what we've bought."
Hand says the relationship with Gateway is going really well.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) signed a 20-year agreement with Gateway in May, requiring the company to guarantee all 325 local jobs for at least one year.
Gateway's Starlight brand, which incorporates an edgy and cosmic atmosphere, is currently set up in New Westminster, British Columbia and opening soon in Edmonton, Alberta.
