Phase One of the expansion of OLG Slots at Georgian Downs is complete -- a redevelopment project that created 90 new full and part-time jobs and brings increased economic benefit to the Town of Innisfil.

"Since the opening of Slots at Georgian Downs in November 2001, the facility has proved to be one of the busiest gaming floors in North America," said Kelly McDougald, CEO of OLG. "This expanded facility not only gives area residents a more exciting entertainment option, it also puts dollars into the local economy through job creation and increased local procurement of goods and services."

With the completion of Phase One, Georgian Downs now has 802 slot machines. Since opening in 2001, more than $32 million in direct, new non-tax revenue has been generated for the Town of Innisfil for investment in new infrastructure and other local priorities. The expanded facility, which includes a full-service restaurant and lounge featuring live entertainment, will increase its purchasing from local suppliers by around $1.3 million a year.

"The Town of Innisfil has enjoyed an outstanding partnership with OLG over the past eight years and we congratulate them on the completion of this significant expansion project," said mayor Brian Jackson. "We welcome the new jobs and the ongoing revenue that will continue to support municipal investment in infrastructure projects like roads, trails and facilities."

OLG worked in partnership with Georgian Downs owner Great Canadian Gaming Corporation to plan and fund the redevelopment projects. The $76 million undertaking has and will continue to generate both short and long term job opportunities. OLG is Innisfil's largest employer, and the expansion will see the facility's payroll grow by more than $3 million to approximately $12.7 million annually.

"On behalf of Ross McLeod, Great Canadian's Chairman and CEO, and all Great Canadian's employees, I'm thrilled at the completion of this first component of Georgian Downs' expansion," said Howard Blank, vice president of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. "This property's popularity has only grown since we acquired Georgian Downs in 2005, and we're confident that this upgraded facility will allow it to continue that trend. We're also very excited about our future in this province. The success of Georgian Downs is something Ontario should be proud of."

Phase Two of the expansion project will be completed in spring 2010 and involves the addition of 198 more slot machines, bringing the total to 1,000.

As part of the OLG Responsible Gaming Program, once finished, the redeveloped facility will also include a Responsible Gaming Resource Centre (RGRC) kiosk, one of 28 full and self-service RGRCs to be fully operational by 2010. RGRCs provide OLG customers with essential information about the risks of problem gambling, tips on recognizing warning signs, and links to treatment or counseling services.

For more information on OLG's RGRCs, click here.

(OLG)