In a recent statement, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the province is seeking a “different” deal for Niagara’s casinos in order to provide “more opportunities” for growth and development in the region. This comes as part of Ford’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the province’s economy and create new avenues for job creation and investment.
The current agreement for the Niagara casinos, which is set to expire in June 2024, was put in place by the previous Liberal government and has been a topic of debate for several years. Under the current deal, the casinos are operated by a consortium known as Falls Management Group, which includes Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment.
Ford has expressed his desire to see a new deal that will not only benefit the province financially but also provide more opportunities for local businesses and residents. “We want to see a different agreement that will open up more opportunities for the people of Niagara,” Ford stated. “We want to see more job creation, more economic growth, and more investment in the region.”
The Premier’s announcement has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders in the community. While some have expressed support for Ford’s efforts to negotiate a more favorable deal, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on the current operators and employees of the casinos.
In response to these concerns, Ford emphasized that the province is committed to working with all parties involved to ensure a smooth transition to a new agreement. “We understand the concerns that have been raised, and we are committed to working together to find a solution that works for everyone,” he said.
Overall, Ford’s decision to seek a new deal for the Niagara casinos is a bold move that has the potential to bring significant benefits to the region. With careful negotiation and collaboration between the provincial government, casino operators, and local stakeholders, this new agreement could pave the way for a more prosperous future for Niagara and its residents.