In a presentation to Council on December 4th, Kawartha Downs’ General Manager Daniel D’Ercole outlined the status of the redevelopment of the entertainment facility and the new residential subdivision.
Significant progress has been made on the commercial side of the project, where there has been an investment of $4.4 million over the last two years, allowing the facility to rebrand itself as a premiere events centre. Renovations to the first floor of the main building are complete, they have established a permanent demo derby pit and tractor pull track, developed an outdoor concert area and significantly expanded their parking lot to accommodate larger scale events. These achievements have been made possible thanks to community support has come in the form of local vendors, nor-for-profit partners as well as facility staff. Events held this past year attracted more than 25,000 visitors to the facility.
The next phase will see the renovation and restoration of the second floor of the main building and the development of a hotel on site. The owners plan to retain the existing casino and meeting rooms, add a 200 room hotel/multi-use convention centre, establish new, outdoor sports fields and new public washrooms. How these facilities as well as the proposed subdivision will be serviced is still under investigation. Comments by ORCA on plans submitted in March triggered additional studies which are not yet complete.
Due to the complexity of the project, it is subject to a Class C Environmental Assessment Study which is required where there is potential for significant environmental effects. This process involves rigorous evaluation of alternative water servicing options. All development design activities are on hold until this assessment is complete. A request for an expedited process was rejected and ORCA indicated that additional information regarding stormwater, treated sewage effluent discharge and drinking water supply was required. The property does not currently have its own water supply but does have a waste treatment system.
The Environmental Assessment (EA) is now in the second of five phases, where alternative servicing options are developed. These will be evaluated, an alternative selected and detailed designs completed. A minimum of two public consultations as well as support of the will also be subject to ministerial and First Nations review.
In summary, Kawartha Downs is two years into a five year restoration and rejuvenation plan for its entertainment arm, and moving forward with studies required for planning approval for the residential development, many of which have already been submitted to the authorities. The project assumes that the current casino lease which expires sometime this year is renewed to ensure the commercial operation remains viable. The owners hope to be in a position to resubmit the Planning Application for municipal and First Nations review and consideration this summer. For such a comprehensive project, this sounds like the planning equivalent of full steam ahead. KG
