A handful of news items regarding the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.’s modernization efforts have been reported in the mainstream media as of late.

As a report by simcoe.com explains, the OLG is expected to issue Request for Proposals (RFP) for gaming zone C7 in ‘the next several months.’ The article states that there are three to five potential operators for the zone which includes Collingwood and Wasaga Beach. It also explains that the operator that is ultimately chosen for the zone via the process would operator the gaming establishments at Casino Rama, the slot-machine gaming area at Georgian Downs, and an establishment that could possibly be erected in Collingwood or Wasaga Beach.

According to the simcoe.com report, the OLG’s senior public relations manager and its director of municipal and community relations discussed possible casino expansion with Wasaga Beach councillors this past Friday. During the discussions, the OLG officials stated that the potential casino expansion could include slot machines, some electronic table games, and a maximum of either 10 or 15 ‘live’ table games, which could include roulette, blackjack or poker.

As a recent article by the Toronto Sun explains, Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa has made brief comments regarding the possibility of casino expansion coming to the Pickering area.

In his comments, Minister Sousa reiterated that brick and mortar gaming expansion would only be introduced to an area if the municipality supports it. “We won’t do anything counter to municipal wishes,” The Sun quoted Sousa as saying. ”We are looking at what it means to the communities generally and we want to make certain that the residents are supportive.”

News of the potential of a gaming centre in Pickering has drawn the attention of Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati. In a report by the Niagara Falls Review, Diodati was cited as saying that a Pickering casino could be “catastrophic” to the municipalities that already host them.

“I take every threat seriously, including this one,” Diodati was quoted as saying

(With files from the Niagara Falls Review, simcoe.com and the Toronto Sun)