In June, Council received a proposal to open a new bingo centre in the existing facility of Kawartha Downs in Fraserville from Richard Weldon, the Managing Partner of Kawartha Downs’ new owner, Romspen Mortgage Investment Fund. Gaming facilities are regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), and township staff has been working with the province and the applicant to ensure required procedures are followed.
This new gaming initiative is part of a broader vision of the revitalization of Kawartha Downs as a comprehensive entertainment venue offering charitable gaming, concerts, fairs, festivals and outdoor facilities for amateur sports. The proponent indicated that the charitable gaming venue from the bingo operation is expected to generate more than $6 million over a five year period for charities operating in the township. Three local charities have already been selected as potential gaming revenue recipients, and new ones will be added to that list, provided the application is approved.
Council agreed to support the application, agreeing that it could be beneficial to local charities, but noted that no new gaming facility application has received provincial approval in more than 30 years. Perhaps this request will prove to be the exception. KG
