Right now it’s just a dream, but Collingwood Council wants to explore the possibility of a large scale casino resort coming to town.
In a vote of 8 to 1 — Councillor Keith Hull voted no — Council decided on Monday night to engage interested private service operators wanting to build what’s called an Integrated Destination resort.
The resort could include a hotel, conference centre, theatre, spa and a so called “boutique” casino.
Council did not reconsider its previous 5-4 decision in November to not host a gaming facility.
Town clerk Sara Almas told council there would have to be a motion to reconsider if council, in the future, wants to enter into negotiations to host a casino resort.
There is no such plan, but Mayor Sandra Cooper says there has been interest including from Georgian Manor.
She feels confident a large scale project like this could come to town, but atleast two councillors said at the council table last night they’d be pleased if it did, but don’t think it will ever happen.
Mayor Cooper says a potential 100 million dollar resort development could create 800 to a thousand jobs.
Part of the motion passed last night also says the public would be consulted before any final decision on such a development is made by council.
And Councillor Ian Chadwick put forward a notice of motion that council request that the OLG pay the costs for a public referendum, which would cost around 60 thousand dollars, or any other public process.
That motion will come to the council table next Monday night.
And Collingwood council will be letting Ontario Lottery and Gaming know it does not support a stand alone 300 slot gaming facility anywhere in the area, including in Wasaga Beach where the town’s council has already said it wants to host such a facility.