Gateway Casino move threatens Georgian Downs

Innisfil Today reports that Gateway Casino and Entertainment’s planned relocation to Cookstown could threaten the long-term viability of harness racing racing at Georgian Downs, the site’s operator says.

Great Canadian Entertainment has suggested the Innisfil Heights facility may be at risk if Gateway is successful in its attempt to move south.

“As the operator of Georgian Downs since 2005, we recognize we play an important role in the province’s horse racing industry,” Chuck Keeling, a vice-president for Great Canadian, told InnisfilToday in an email. “We are disappointed in Gateway’s longer term desire to potentially relocate their casino operations … our priority currently and for the short term future is the continuation of live racing at the facility. Longer term, such a relocation of Gateway’s casino operations from Georgian Downs will have a significant impact on our ability to continue horse racing at the property.”

In a stunning move, Gateway announced to Innisfil council in late April it had purchased a 25-acre parcel of land at 239 Reive Blvd., home to the former Innisfil Creek Golf Course, with plans to move its gaming operations there.

To read the full story, click here.

by Chris Simon, republished from Innisfil Today