North Bay casino preparing for opening night
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Cascades Casino is almost at the finish line.
After three years of stop-and-start construction due to the COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions, the opening day is less than a week away.
But until March 9 at 5 p.m. the casino will remain closed while staff put on the finishing touches.
The Nugget was invited to tour the casino, meet the staff and get a behind-the-scenes of the facility Wednesday afternoon.
The excitement could be seen on the wait staff trying the various dishes being served inside the Match Eatery & Public House, dealers practicing their skills, gaming technicians fine-tuning the machines, bartenders placing glassware and security monitoring the gaming floor.
Rob Mitchell, spokesman for Gateway Casinos, which operates Cascades Casino in North Bay, said the support from the city has been “remarkable.
“We’ve been extremely well supported, but this development hasn’t come without its challenges. Covid presented uncertainty and created anxiety across the industry, everything from live entertainment to hospitality and this was particularly stressful on employees,” he said.
“Our sites had (food) spoilage issues, it was certainly hard to run our restaurants and so difficult to plan with so much uncertainty. Then the province relaxed restrictions and then they were back in play.”
Construction of the 39,000-square-foot building on Pinewood Park Drive began in May 2019. The facility is equipped with 300 slot machines, electronic gaming tables like blackjack, three card poker and roulette.
Mitchell said the location on Pinewood Park Drive between North Bay and Callander was one of a few options considered.
Property near the North Bay Regional Health Centre was another area of consideration, but “we weren’t able to make that happen.”
He said the close proximity to the highway and location in close proximity to several communities are positives.
Over the last several weeks staff from Gateway Casino’s other properties relocated to North Bay to help train local staff. More than 170 jobs were filled and more are still needed, especially dealers.
The Summit Bar overlooks the gaming floor and will be a “mecca for people watching,” Mitchell said.
The Match Eatery & Public House offers a menu that boasts handmade pizzas, a variety of soups and salads, pasta dishes, steak and ribs. Inside is a smaller room, The Bud Room, that can be used to host smaller gatherings or meetings.
James Sweeney, general manager of Match Eatery, is proud of what he can offer to customers looking for good food and entertainment.
He points to the 16 television sets in the restaurant including a 110-inch projector that will be a hit for those who want to catch an NFL game or a UFC fight.
“And with all of these televisions we have a great sound system. There are even three televisions out on the 66-seat outdoor patio for those who want to eat outside.”
Sweeney said the patio will be a major attraction equipped with gas fireplaces along the middle, sliding doors and heaters. In the summer, misting machines will cool customers off.
He boasts about the 12 drafts on tap and 80 per cent of food served is made from scratch.
“I had this one elderly man come to the front doors and ask if we were open yet. There’s certainly a real buzz out there.”
Sweeney said he wants the Match Eatery to be a live entertainment destination, which has been lost during the pandemic.
He said the music lineup includes North Bay residents Peter Cliche, Roadhouse and Jake Thomas.
With a state-of-the-art security system, there will be police officers on scene.
Mitchell said the buffet remains on hold but is slated to eventually open.
