Ontario Liberal MPP Rob Cerjanec has joined the call of the Mayor of Sarnia and written to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Stan Cho, asking for the release of the business case supporting the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s decision to close the Gateway Casino located Hiawatha Horse Park in Sarnia.

The closure, scheduled for March 31, 2026, follows the expiry of the "Optional Slots at Racetracks Program." In an Oct. 23 letter to Cho, Cerjanec stated the closure will result in the loss of approximately 50 local jobs, impacting workers and families in Sarnia, and will also result in approximately $400,000 less revenue per year for the City of Sarnia a year after the closure.

“The people of Sarnia and the workers at the casino deserve answers from the provincial government,” said MPP Cerjanec. “Premier Ford came to Sarnia in August with a giant cheque for $400,000, rewarding Sarnia for meeting it’s building faster fund targets and just a month later, announces the closure of Gateway Casino.”

Since re-opening in 2020, the casino has been an important contributor to Sarnia’s local economy and to the sustainability of horse racing operations in the region. Tourists from Michigan have started to come back, drawn by the appeal of horse racing and the casino on one site. Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley also wrote to the Premier on Sept. 30, 2025 requesting the release of OLG’s business case for the closure.

“To close the casino just six years later and not consider an extension of the agreement is unreasonable and a disservice to the community," said Cerjanec. "I urge the Government of Ontario and OLG to share the business case for this closure and to work collaboratively with the City of Sarnia to ensure that the community’s economic stability and long-term interests are fully considered.”

Horse racing is a vital part of Ontario’s economy, supporting breeding farms, race operations and small businesses across the province. The industry not only sustains local employment but also drives tourism and investment in rural communities.

(With files from the Office of MPP Rob Cerjanec)