The City of Thunder Bay has received $2,692,293 from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for the Fiscal Year 2023 (1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023). A cheque has been presented to the City by Karen Smiley, OLG Municipal & Government Relations Manager, to Acting Mayor Kasey Etreni at City Hall.

For 23 years, the City has been host to the Gateway Casino Thunder Bay. The facility attracts thousands of tourists to the region, provides entertainment opportunities for citizens, and supports local employment while contributing to the local economy. In return, OLG contributes funds, which are based on slot machine and table gaming revenues, to the City for community programming.

“OLG is proud to be a vital part of the City of Thunder Bay for 23 years and we look forward to continuing to build on that support”, said Kathleen Devine, OLG’s Senior Municipal Relations Manager. “Each and every year, 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario to support provincial priorities. From critical infrastructure to important local programs, to community festivals, OLG’s profits are hard at work in Thunder Bay and all across our province to build stronger communities. We also appreciate the contribution of gaming site employees at Gateway Casino Thunder Bay who are making life in Thunder Bay that much better. When you play at an Ontario casino, you play for Ontario.”

Since the casino opened in August 2000, OLG has contributed a total of almost $53 million to the City. Funds from OLG have been put towards programming such as the City’s Community, Youth & Cultural Funding program. This Program allocates grants to non-profit organizations in the social service, youth and cultural sectors as well as to individual artists undertaking projects in the community.

In addition to supporting valuable community programs and services, these grants help local organizations leverage funding from Provincial and Federal sources.

“Community programming in our City receives a great boost from OLG’s funding,” said Leah Prentice, the City’s Director of Recreation & Culture. “Via our Community, Youth & Cultural Funding Program we’re able to channel these funds to diverse organizations that make life better for everyone who lives in Thunder Bay.”

Recipients of Community, Youth & Cultural Funding program grants have included Shelter House,  Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA), Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, and People Advocating for Change through Empowerment (PACE), among many others.

For more information on the City’s Community, Youth & Cultural Funding program, visit thunderbay.ca/grants

 

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Contact: Wendy O’Connor, Communications Officer – Corporate Communications & Community Engagement, 807-621-4151