Bold Alternative Casino Development Proposal Presented to Council

By Karen Graham

Richard Taylor, a lawyer representing a group of investors, presented a dramatic vision for an alternative location for the Shorelines Casino within the boundaries of Cavan Monaghan Township at the May 2nd Council meeting. The proposal was released the same day to the City of Peterborough Council and the casino operator, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. Located on 138 acres site west of Airport Rd. between Highway #115 and the CPR Rail line to the north, the proposal incorporates a hotel, a convention centre, an 8,000 seat arena, stand-alone restaurants, a possible sporting goods store and the potential to accommodate a future commuter train station.

Taylor repeatedly suggested that this location was by far superior to the location currently under consideration at Crawford Drive for a number of reasons. Because of the site restrictions, the Crawford site will not accommodate adequate parking for the expanded casino venture, and there are major constraints in the surrounding infrastructure that Taylor believed will result in the site failing a number of assessment tests which will prevent its ultimate approval. Traffic flow will be impeded but the existing Hwy #115 overpass, as well as current commercial ventures. Taylor suggested hotel visitors might be required to drag their luggage through the existing Tim Horton’s to arrive at the future hotel. There are also environmental concerns about this location. Zoning approvals required by amendments to the city’s Official Plan will not likely be a problem however, as he noted, the City itself is making the application for the changes to its own plan so at least that level of approval should proceed.

The proposed site offers a number of benefits to the Casino operator, including high visibility from the highway, easy access from an existing highway interchange with superior transportation and infrastructure over the alternative Crawford location which is already experiencing traffic congestion. Given the diversity of the users and the potential synergy envisioned in this plan, Taylor believes that the resulting development would create a “super draw” for the region that would benefit both the township and the city itself. The large land base will not only accommodate the new casino, expected to be twice the size of the current Kawartha Downs facility, but offers parking for 4350 cars, can accommodate buses and has room for the addition of future retail development.

The plan addresses existing provincially significant wetlands through the development of a series of ponds which are incorporated into a landscaped garden visible from the highway. These ponds will not only be ornamental, but will also address storm water requirements while enhancing the attractiveness of the location.

The concept plan includes a future commuter train station and parking garage similar to existing facilities at the Oshawa GO station. The Peterborough Airport very near the site could also offer a transportation option for future tourists to the area.

The proposal represents an extraordinary opportunity to develop a regional tourism draw which would attract visitors and create jobs. Taylor suggested there are already commercial parties interested in exploring the opportunity to locate in such a development, and has asked the township to have staff sign a standard Non-Disclosure Agreement to protect the investors’ interests.

Before the proposal can receive any serious consideration, the site must be fully serviced with complete water and sewer infrastructure. Located just a “stone’s throw” from the fully serviced Fisher Drive commercial development, the most natural provider of these services is the City of Peterborough. It is up to the two councils to hammer out an acceptable Joint Servicing Agreement where assessment and casino revenue is shared with the city in exchange for servicing the site. The reward for cooperation, which has not been the hallmark of relations between the two groups to date, will be the establishment of a regional tourist destination in an ideal location.   Sounds like a powerful motive to play nice.

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