THUNDER BAY — Ontario's casino industry is anxious to reopen after being shut down for nearly four months because of COVID-19.

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The province has not announced a date, but operators hope to get the green light when the government moves to Stage 3 of its reopening plan, possibly later this month.

Although the government has not specified what will be included in Stage 3, its general framework released in April indicated Stage 3 would mean opening all workplaces 'responsibly' and further relaxing restrictions on public gatherings.

The framework also suggested that mass gatherings such as concerts and spectator sports events would remain prohibited indefinitely.

Rob Mitchell, spokesperson for Gateway Casinos which operates the casino in Thunder Bay and numerous other Ontario communities, says 'We're still waiting to hear from the provincial government whether we will be a part of Stage 3. We expect we will.'

In an interview with tbnewswatch.com, Mitchell said 'We're prepared. We've worked very hard to get our facilities ready for reopening in terms of personal protective equipment, sanitation stations and that kind of thing.'

Mitchell said a detailed plan has been submitted to the province regarding the hygienic measures that would be put in place to protect casino patrons and employees.

Beyond that, he said, the reopening of casinos is beyond the industry's control.

'Any decision to reopen will be determined by public health officials in cooperation with the government, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.'

Last month, an industry group – the Canadian Gaming Association – presented its strategy for reopening to the legislature's Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.

Mitchell said the CGA is waiting for feedback from the province.

When asked to speculate about the number of people who might be allowed in casinos at any given time, he said that's in the government's hands.

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However, it's been reported that the industry has proposed a maximum of 50 per cent occupancy and the elimination of many playing spots to ensure physical distancing.

In the meantime, Gateway has reached reached return-to-operations agreements covering hundreds of union members at some of the company's properties in Ontario and B.C.

The company and Unifor said Tuesday the agreement includes an extension of benefits, improves job security, and gives union members the option to choose a retroactive paid leave, partially funded by the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

They said it also contains a number of items to help the company return to operations more quickly and efficiently, once government approval is obtained.

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Unifor national president Jerry Dias called the agreement 'an important step in the right direction towards providing our members with certainty in these uncertain times.'

More than 140 Gateway Casino workers in Thunder Bay are represented by the Steelworkers union.

A union representative told Tbnewswatch an announcement is pending about a similar deal it has struck for its members at Gateway properties in Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury.

Jason Lacko said that, with casino reopening dates still uncertain, having an agreement in place is important because 'they know the staff will be there. That's probably the biggest hurdle.'

Lacko added 'We don't know where people decide to go in four or five or six months, or however long it takes. People start going somewhere else. At least knowing the staff will be retained is probably worth more than anything.'

Mitchell said he believes most of the laid-off staff have had access to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit program.

THUNDER BAY – A slow trickle of returning customers expressed confidence in COVID-19 safety measures as Thunder Bay’s Gateway Casino welcomed customers back for the first time in over six months on Saturday.

Patrons said policies such as mandatory face masks, spacing between slot machines (table games remain closed), and plexiglass barriers between games had helped put them at ease.

Perhaps most reassuring was the province’s requirement to limit the number of customers inside at one time to 50.

“There’s not enough people to get close to,” said one customer as she left with a friend Saturday. “I think people are scared to go in because of the virus, but if you protect yourself and you stay away from other people… they’re very safe in there.”

She estimated only about 15 customers had been inside early Saturday afternoon. With the addition of a few personal protective measures, the woman said she felt perfectly comfortable inside the Cumberland Street facility Saturday.

“I was all prepared for myself – I brought my gloves, my mask, [and hand sanitizer] so I can make sure I’m safe.”

Given the capacity restrictions, Gateway is currently opening its doors only to My Club Rewards members, who can be accompanied by one guest. Admittance is currently by appointment only.

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The company has stated it will communicate information on the new appointment system to existing members.

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Members can schedule their play time online, check in upon arrival, and wait in their vehicles until they are cleared to enter.

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One of those members, Warren Kakegumick, came to see the changes for himself Saturday. He is concerned about COVID-19, he said, but compared risks at the casino to others people routinely take, such as visiting stores.

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Another patron who walked away with some winnings Saturday afternoon said he agreed everyone needs to be cautious of the virus given its resurgence in other parts of the province.

However, his first experience in the casino since it closed in March due to COVID-19 had proven reassuring.

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“It felt pretty safe,” he reported. “A lot of machines are out, so there’s lots of social distancing. They come around and wipe the machines and everyone’s got masks on.”