OGGLP and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Set Plans into Motion for the New Great Blue Heron Casino

PORT PERRY, ON, Jan. 29, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation ("MSIFN") held an event to officially announce the signing of a redevelopment agreement with Ontario Gaming GTA LP ("OGGLP"), which is a partnership comprised of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation ("GCGC") and Brookfield Business Partners L.P. ("Brookfield"). This agreement signifies a new era for the Great Blue Heron Casino ("GBH") and will encompass enhancements to the property allowing for a premier gaming and entertainment destination to be developed. The proposed redevelopment is slated for completion by the end of 2018.

"The MSIFN community is eager to work with OGGLP on the innovative and exciting changes that will be happening at GBH," said MSIFN Chief Kelly LaRocca. "We are thrilled with what's coming next for GBH and are looking forward to consulting with our membership about the development that will be taking place in our community."  

The new facility will preserve the Great Blue Heron name; however, OGGLP will work with the community to further revive and strengthen the visual elements of the brand. In addition, OGGLP and MSIFN will focus on the development of employment opportunities, procurement processes and community engagement throughout the span of the project.

"As part of our commitment and partnership with the MSIFN, we are focused on building a state-of-the-art gaming entertainment facility that will continue to celebrate the heritage of the MSFIN community and provide exciting gaming options," said Rod Baker, President and CEO, GCGC.

OGGLP was selected as the successful proponent by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation ("OLG") to operate the GTA Bundle which includes three facilities in the Greater Toronto Area: OLG Slots at Woodbine, OLG Slots at Ajax Downs and Great Blue Heron Casino located on reserve lands of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These facilities have a combined total of over 4,000 slot machines, 60 table games and employ more than 2,200 staff. OGGLP has acquired all of the gaming assets in the GTA Bundle through a Transition and Asset Purchase Agreement with OLG, and will have the exclusive right to operate these assets for a minimum period of 22 years. 

The closing for the acquisition of the GTA Bundle, including the signing of a Casino Operating and Services Agreement with OLG was completed on January 23, 2018, following a seamless transition process.

About Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation:

The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) is a progressive and growing community located on the shores of Lake Scugog in Durham Region, Ontario. The First Nation has been proudly running the GBH Casino for two decades. The casino was financed, built and developed by MSIFN following a First Nation-Crown Agreement with Ontario, signed in 1993. MSIFN is led by an Elected Council that is comprised of one Chief and two Councillors. Chief Kelly LaRocca has been Chief since 2013 and was a councillor for four years prior to that. Councillors Jamie Coons and Laura Colwell joined council in 2017.

About Ontario Gaming GTA LP:

Ontario Gaming GTA LP ("OGGLP") is a partnership comprised of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation ("GCGC") and Brookfield Business Partners L.P. ("Brookfield"). In August 2017, OGGLP was selected by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation ("OLG") as the successful proponent to operate and manage gaming facilities in the Greater Toronto Area (the "GTA Bundle"). The GTA Bundle is the largest award by the OLG as part of the modernization of its casino operations. The bundle includes three facilities: OLG Slots at Woodbine, OLG Slots at Ajax Downs and Great Blue Heron casino. OGGLP will bring considerable gaming, urban redevelopment and hospitality expertise to the operations and strategic repositioning of the GTA Bundle.

SOURCE Ontario Gaming GTA LP

Media Contact: Kelly LaRocca, Chief of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Media Contact: Sonja Mandic, Director Media Relations and Social Responsibility, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Media Contact: Claire Holland, Brookfield Asset Management, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]