Gateway Casinos & Entertainment spokesman Rob Mitchell has told the London Free Press that the Western Fair District and the City of London must lower its leasing cost or sell Gateway some of the fair property if a casino expansion and its accompanying amenities, which could include a hotel, are to come to the site.

Mitchell also told the London Free Press that “there are other options in the city of London that we are looking at.”

This past May, Gateway signed a 20-year Casino Operating and Services Agreement with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. and purchased the business and assets of the Southwest Gaming Bundle. Gateway took over day-to-day operations and the assets of the Southwest Gaming Bundle on May 9.

Mitchell told the London Free Press that the size of the lease is “not viable for a private-sector company. It’s a very rich lease… (It’s) not an equitable arrangement.”

The Gateway item is on the City of London’s agenda for today (Tuesday, November 7)

“Any business is always trying to get a good deal. It is my hope they are about to work something out,” said London Coun. Josh Morgan, who is a fair board member that was only commenting on the issue as city councillor.

(With files from the London Free Press)