As city council prepares to make a decision on the site design strategy for the $100 million arena/events centre next week, the people behind the casino and motorsports park have sent letters confirming their commitment to building on the Kingsway site.
Councillors will meet Wednesday to decide whether to accept a plan presented earlier this month, which outlines an integrated site design for the arena, the casino and hotel planned for what's being called the Kingsway Entertainment District.
In their letter, authored by Keith Andrew, the senior VP and managing director of Gateway Casinos, the company says they will completely fund the $60 million facility, and will create 250 new jobs in the process.
“We have exciting plans for Greater Sudbury and we are anxious to move forward with you as quickly as possible,” the letter said. “Any rumours to the contrary are simply not true.”
Gateway aims to open the casino in 2020, the same date the arena is scheduled to open.
In their letter, Tim Laderoute, president of the Sudbury and District Motorsports Association, says they are moving ahead with plans to build their facility on 80 acres adjacent to the arena/events centre. Because the land is either treaty or Crown land, their process is different, Laderoute said.
“However, progress is being made,” he said. “The SDMA has met with the MNR and outlined what our plans for the proposed site are. The consultation process with MNR was commenced on June 23rd by way of a letter of notification to the respective parties. The treaty/Crown land acquisition process requires us to meet and consult with the local indigenous groups. We have started dialogue and will begin consultation in the coming weeks.
“The SDMA wants to be very clear that the Kingsway location continues to be our preferred location. As stated at the press release, the Kingsway location was identified as a preferred location through a site vetting process carried out with the assistance and guidance of the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation.”
By building next to the Kingsway Entertainment District, the group says it could be a “win-win” situation for everyone, attracting more people to the location and improving everyone's chances at success.
“Please understand that lack of media profile does not translate into a lack of effort,” Laderoute said. “The Sudbury District Motorsports Association continues to work towards creating a permanent motorsports facility for the north. We are a small but dedicated group that welcomes any participation and encouragement from the community. Doubt and criticism are easy — participation and effort equal results.”
