Pickering Casino, which opened with much excitement in 2021, has impacted the earnings that were meant for Scugog Island First Nation.
While the City of Pickering celebrated nearly $3.8 million in hosting revenue from Pickering Casino & Resort for the third quarter, nearby Scugog Island First Nation is expressing “deep concern and frustration” over what they call “violations” of legally binding revenue-sharing agreements by the province.
“The revenue that Pickering and i Gaming generate for the Province of Ontario comes at the direct expense of MSIFN and economic reconciliation,” said Chief Kelly La Rocca. “Gaming revenue allows MSIFN to build infrastructure, fund essential public services, and contribute to the local economy. Instead of supporting Indigenous self-governance and reconciliation, the government has chosen to empower national and international corporations to profit at the expense of public good.”
Since its opening in July 2021 against the wishes of the First Nation and in violation of an agreement signed by MSIFN and Queen’s Park, Pickering has earned nearly $69 million in casino revenue for local projects.
La Rocca pointed out that despite these agreements, Ontario went ahead with constructing Pickering Casino and launching i Gaming – “without support from the public or consideration for its impact” on the First Nation.
A Canada Pulse Insights poll commissioned by MSIFN revealed that half of respondents believe Durham Region already has too many casinos. Nearly one in five (19 percent) said they stopped visiting Great Blue Heron Casino after Pickering opened – a number that rises to 31 percent among residents in Scugog.
The ongoing legal battles between MSIFN and the provincial government have placed significant strain on both the First Nation and Ontario taxpayers, La Rocca added. “The legal argument is clear. The unfairness is clear. The public opinion is clear.”
“Yet the province continues to fight us. We are asking for fairness, not a fight – but we will not back down.”
This week, Durham Region’s three casino hosts welcomed more than $5.5 million as Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) made its second quarter payouts to host communities.
The City of Pickering received by far the largest payout during this period from July 1 to September 30, having earned over $9.2 million this year alone.
The Town of Ajax, home to Ajax Casino (and quarter-horse racetrack), received just over $1 million for Q3. So far this fiscal year, Ajax has received $2,147,674.
The Scugog Island First Nation hosts Great Blue Heron Casino and was paid $682,605 this round. They’ve earned $1,340,365 this fiscal year so far.
These payments to host communities follow a formula outlined in the Municipality Contribution Agreement that’s consistently applied across all land-based casino sites in Ontario based on a graduated scale of gaming revenue at each location.
Last 30 Days: 62,253 Votes
All Time: 1,147,425 Votes
469 VOTES
Source link
“Yet the province continues to fight us. We are asking for fairness, not a fight – but we will not back down.”
This week, Durham Region’s three casino hosts welcomed more than $5.5 million as Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) made its second quarter payouts to host communities.
The City of Pickering received by far the largest payout during this period from July 1 to September 30, having earned over $9.2 million this year alone.
The Town of Ajax, home to Ajax Casino (and quarter-horse racetrack), received just over $1 million for Q3. So far this fiscal year, Ajax has received $2,147,674.
The Scugog Island First Nation hosts Great Blue Heron Casino and was paid $682,605 this round. They’ve earned $1,340,365 this fiscal year so far.
These payments to host communities follow a formula outlined in the Municipality Contribution Agreement that’s consistently applied across all land-based casino sites in Ontario based on a graduated scale of gaming revenue at each location.
Last 30 Days: 62,253 Votes
All Time: 1,147,425 Votes
469 VOTES
What would get you to buy a house or condo in 2026?
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and PoliciesSource link
