Marine Search & Rescue group shares in Pickering Casino revenue

Pickering celebrated the “significant community and economic benefits” of being a casino site with an oversized cheque presentation at the PARA Marine Search and Rescue Waterfront Festival on the weekend.

Since the opening of the Pickering Casino Resort in July 2021, the City has received non-tax gaming revenue payments totaling $47,974,125 from Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation (OLG), with a 2024 first quarter payment awarded July 19 for more than $5.5 million.

The funds are part of the Municipal Contribution Agreement with OLG and represent a “significant investment” in the city’s future, noted Mayor Kevin Ashe.

“The benefits of this partnership extend far beyond the casino floor, leaving a lasting, positive impact in every corner of our community,” Ashe said. “These funds have allowed us to directly enhance our city services, strengthen our infrastructure, and back the community programs that enrich the lives of everyone in Pickering. These enhancements are also complemented by the Pickering Casino Resort and Durham Live, which have revitalized our city, making it a dynamic hub for tourism and boosting local economic growth.”

The City reinvests the revenues back into the community, supporting a wide range of local programs, initiatives, and infrastructure projects and funding everything from parks and recreation to services and cultural events.

PARA Marine Search and Rescue, which has been saving lives and ensuring safety on Lake Ontario since 1967, is one of the many community recipients benefiting from the casino funding. The organization received $4,702 in casino hosting revenue this year.

During the 2023 calendar year casino revenues have been used to fund 24 community groups like PARA Marine Search and Rescue; snow clearing program for seniors and persons with disabilities; construction of Beverley Morgan Park track replacement; consulting on the City Centre project; the purchase of bush mulcher; and for Bill 23 revenue bloss top-up.

The 2024 budget includes more $21 million of projects to be funded by casino revenues, including the Beachfront Park construction, Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex tennis court replacement, and other projects and services.

Some of the revenue is also shared with Durham Region to be used for housing initiatives.

“Each and every year, 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario to support provincial and local priorities,” said Kathleen Devine, OLG’s Senior Municipal Relations Manager, adding that the profits help build “stronger communities” in Pickering and around Ontario.