Ryan says the Durham Live site is of “critical importance” to Pickering, as it will create jobs and spur an economic renewal of the city. Heavy equipment has been on site since last summer when construction crews began work on the project. The project site, along Church Street South in the east end of Pickering, is just south of Highway 401. A grand lobby will link the casino, hotel, performance venue, and restaurants. The architects have designed the casino as a new and modern complex for guests of all demographics. Durham Live is expected to create another 7,500 jobs. The casino itself, once complete, will employ more than 2,500 workers. The broader Durham Live development is being undertaken by Pickering Developments, part of the Triple Group of Companies. There will also be VIP cinemas and a golf course.

A fourth phase will include ice rinks and an indoor water park. Phase three of venture will be a market area with 350,000 square feet of retail space.

I can foresee the TriBro film studios becoming one of the main arts, cultural and filming hubs in the province.” “In addition to filming and production, there will be post-production facilities as well. “Upon full build-out, the film studios will be the largest of its kind in Canada,” notes Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan. It will be the first purpose-built studio district in the region. The second phase of the venture will include 150,000 square feet of restaurants or food offerings, another 350-room hotel with a 100,000-square-foot convention centre, and 250,000 square feet of film studios to be operated by TriBro Studios. The vision is for the area to become the premier entertainment, recreation and tourism district east of Yonge Street in Toronto. It is all part of the first phase of a $2-billion, 240-acre, multi-use development known as Durham Live. An adjoining five-star, 225-room hotel and concert venue with 2,500 seats is expected to open in the fall. The casino, designed by CDA in association with CGL, will feature 2,350 slot machines, 100 live table games and dining and entertainment facilities.

The 330,000-square-foot gambling venue, aptly named Pickering Casino Resort, is being built by One Toronto Gaming and is expected to open in April.

Construction of a large Las Vegas-style casino on a sprawling parcel of property in the east end of the City of Pickering is moving along and should be completed by spring.

Pickering casino and resort