No casino for Grand Bend

Grand Bend isn’t getting a casino but doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future. CTV London’s Scott Miller has more.

Grand Bend is not getting a casino, at least, not right now.

“There was a proposal for a casino in South Huron. The developer brought forward the proposal to have one in Grand Bend,” said George Finch, mayor of the Municipality of South Huron.

“We always listen to all the developers to see where it can go. We’re not saying yes. We’re not saying no. We just want to hear all the facts first. But at this point, there is nothing moving forward, simply because OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation) is not doing any more expansions of casinos in this area. So, at this point, it’s put on pause.”

The former site of The Boat Store just off Highway 21 on the northern side of Grand Bend, was the proposed site, brought forward by a developer to South Huron late last year.

But the OLG, which governs where casinos go in Ontario, told South Huron council this week its got enough gambling spots in southern Ontario and aren’t looking to add more.

Adding casinos to the region would also require amendments to the deals they have with current casino sites in places like Clinton and London.

“OLG controls where the casinos go. So, they would work with the developer and then come together with an idea, and then the public would have an opportunity to speak to it,” said Finch.

While the answer from OLG in terms of putting a casino in Grand Bend is no right now, that doesn’t mean the answer will always be no.

“At this point, there’s nothing happening. But who knows in the future what will happen if OLG does want to expand. They know we’re interested, and we’re willing to talk,” said Finch.

Finch added if the opportunity to add a casino at the proposed site in Grand Bend arises again, South Huron would most certainly be ready to listen.

“Casinos have proven themselves over the past number of years with the regulations and the policing that goes into it,” he said.

“So, the ones that are local, the one in Clinton for instance, it works well and we don’t see any adverse side effects of that degree. However, we’re very much aware that there could be challenges, but we want to make sure that we listen to all parties first and then move forward with whatever the public and the developer and if OLG is on the board as well to work with everyone.”