Rob Mitchell, spokesman with Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, has said that his company is embracing the opportunity to partake in public meetings to showcase his company’s plans for casino expansion in London.
Mitchell’s comments have come via an update on the situation by the London Free Press, which explains that rules in Ontario state that public consultation must take place before casino expansion can go forward.
Mitchell’s comments come during a time where Gateway, the Western Fair District and London are in discussions about a potential expansion at Western Fair, which is home to the half-mile Standardbred raceway which has become an institution both in the city and southwestern Ontario's racing landscape.
Mitchell has been cited as saying that negotions in regard to the Western Fair expansion are ongoing.
The London Free Press update has quoted London Treasurer Anna Lisa Barbon as saying that city council, which represents London’s interests when it comes to expansion, needs to be on board in order for any plan to go forward.
“It’s entirely council’s choice whether they would choose to support it or not,” Barbon said in regard to an expansion. “The intent of the council resolution (is) to ensure the public supports it and they’re not opposed to it being there.”
Gateway has made it known that it is eyeing other locations in London if an expansion at the fairgrounds isn’t in the cards.
“We absolutely do have another site in mind,” said Mitchell. “If we can’t land on the London fairgrounds, we have other alternatives that we think we can execute fairly quickly.”
(With files from the London Free Press)