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Slots will continue at Kawartha Downs after an agreement was reached to keep both operations open beyond March 2026, safeguarding more than 150 local jobs.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has rescinded its earlier decision to terminate its business contract with Great Canadian Entertainment at Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs, located about 17 kilometres south of Peterborough. GCE is now working with OLG and the racetrack’s property owner to extend its operating agreement and lease.
The announcement follows weeks of pressure from unionized workers, community members and other stakeholders after OLG said in September it would not renew its gaming contract.
“I am so relieved that my co-workers and I will continue to have good, unionized jobs,” said Danielle Traverse, a slots worker and member of Service Employees International Union Local 2. She said the outcome is important not only for workers’ families, but for the local economy.
SEIU Local 2, which represents workers at both the slots and racetrack, has collective agreements in place until 2029 and 2028, respectively. The union has been campaigning since the fall for OLG to reverse its decision.
OLG released a statement from PTBOTODAY.ca:
“OLG is working closely with industry partners to support Ontario’s horse racing industry. As part of this work, we are extending the Optional Slots at Racetracks Program, which will keep the Slots at Kawartha Downs open beyond March 31, 2026. This means the Township of Cavan Monaghan will continue to receive Municipality Contribution Payments as a casino-host municipality. OLG will continue to collaborate with casino service providers regarding extensions to their operating agreements, as well as with racetrack property owners regarding lease extensions for the casinos.”
The Township of Cavan Monaghan will continue to receive payments under the Municipality Contribution Agreement for as long as the casino remains operational.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
