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Cascades Casino opens its doors to the public

Chatham’s newest attraction is now open for business and hundreds of people have piled through the doors to get their first look.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, Cascades Casino officially opened it’s doors to the public and it was met with excitement and awe. With over 150 people waiting outside, casino officials opened the doors a few minutes ahead of the 5 p.m. scheduled time. When the doors finally opened, cheers erupted from the crowd as people poured inside.

Chatham resident Pat Benjamin was one of those first inside the facility. She said although she’s not a big gambler, she was impressed with the atmosphere inside the casino and thinks its a great addition to the area. For Benjamin, the restaurants inside the building are the main highlight.

“It’s nice just to go in and wander around and watch the people and have a nice restaurant to go into to eat,” she said. “That’s a plus.”

Located at the corner of Richmond Street and Keil Drive South, the 45,280 square foot facility is home to Match Eatery, which has an outdoor patio and live music on the weekends. There is also a full buffet inside that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The gaming floor features over 300 slots, 10 table games, a bar and has a capacity for 700 people. Construction began on the $36 million project just over a year ago on July 5, 2018.

Rob Mitchell, director of communications and public affairs with Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited, said for the last few weeks, he has been hearing from people who were excited about the opening

“My phone has been ringing. There was a rumour we’d open July 1, so I’ve been getting a really, really positive response from everywhere. It’s not just the Chatham area, I’m hearing from folks all over the place that are very anxious for us to open,” he said.

Heather Holland, a Thunder Bay resident, was one of the out-of-towners who came to support the opening. She said she’s impressed with how it all came together.

“It looks good to me,” Holland said. “Nice and clean and lots of fun.”

Although it was mainly adults walking through the door on Tuesday,  Mitchell said what makes Cascades Casino stand out from other casinos, is that the restaurants inside the facility are family-friendly.

“All our amenities, our food and beverage amenities, are accessible to families. You don’t have to be 19 years of age and over to get onto our site and enjoy our food and beverage,” he explained. “Our gaming floor is distinct and separate from our food and beverage.”

Tuesday’s opening was technically a “soft open” for the casino. Mitchell explained that it gives the company a chance to gauge how things are going and if there are any major issues that need to be addressed.

“The soft opening, basically we want to work out all the bugs, test out all the equipment, familiarize ourself, get the sense of customer patterns, get the impact from the customers… get a sense of what’s working and perhaps what we might tweak a little,” he said.

According to Mitchell, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited is aiming for a grand opening on August 8. Before then, there are a few more finishing touches that will be put on the property including finishing up the landscaping. Mitchel promises even more excitement for the grand opening date.

“We hope to have some special guests on hand, we will have some special promotions to accompany that, we’ll certainly have live entertainment. I think that will be a great event, something to look forward too,” said Mitchell.

For a full gallery of the new property, click here >

To learn more, visit our website >

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It takes a village to pull off a great event

When it comes to pulling off a great event, we know that it takes a ‘village’, that’s why our approach is so refreshing for planners and groups who choose Downtown Peterborough to host their meetings and events.
We offer all the amenities in a heritage downtown setting steps from the river and the lake, and just minutes away from famed Kawarthas cottage country. Unique venues, all in close proximity, provide a wide variety of unique meeting, presentation and dining options on their own or as a multiple site experience. Collaboration is the key to an exceptional boutique destination experience for groups of all sizes.

Top 10 Reasons Downtown Peterborough is a great location for your next event:

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the high traffic areas of Downtown Peterborough
• A vibrant culinary scene with more than 110 places to eat offering a wide variety of food and experience options… Check out the café district and relax on a patio
• Recharge by the water … Situated on the Trent-Severn Waterway, enjoy the water by renting a canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board, or just enjoy a coffee at the Silver Bean Café
• Enjoy our bike friendly business area – one of five communities in Ontario to be designated – with more cycling infrastructure on its way. No bike? No problem, there are bike share and bike rentals available
• Looking for a memorable night out? Downtown Peterborough has a bustling nightlife of clubs, pubs and bars. Did someone say Karaoke?
• Throughout the year, and by request for groups, you can take a tour and learn about the historic heart of Peterborough, with rich stories and renovated structures from the 19th and early 20th century
• Experience dozens of free annual events and festivals, from live music to multicultural cuisine, celebrations of local craft beer to active living
• Downtown is the centre for local arts and culture, from major performance venues to art galleries, it’s the entertainment hub of the region
• Who doesn’t love adding a little shopping in on a business trip? Downtown Peterborough has many unique and boutique retail businesses
• There are 185 hotel rooms located in the heart of downtown Peterborough, with close to 500 more hotel rooms just a short drive away and close to 30,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space throughout the downtown core.

Visit our website to learn more, or connect with us here >

 

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Planner Tools & Resources

When looking for a meeting place for those with discerning tastes or a flavour for something new, our region serves up a veritable treasure trove of interesting and unusual spaces: indoors and out.

City of Peterborough Meetings, Conferences & Groups Map

Download the Map >

At A Glance Chart of Top Venues & Facilities

Download the Chart >

How We Can Help – Services & Support Guide >

Check out the list of some of the meetings, conferences and sports event that have trusted Peterborough & the Kawarthas.

You’re in Good Company >

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Q&A With Tara Gordon

Q&A With Tara Gordon
Vice-president, Business Events
Tourism Toronto

Business Events Toronto is the first point of contact for planners when considering Toronto for meetings and events. Why is that important?

It’s important because members of our team truly are destination experts who can help you unlock the best of the city for your event. Our team will work with you every step of the way, from your initial site visit to registration and well after tear-down to ensure your event gets the most out of our destination. As well, we have access to local businesses that are thriving here and putting Toronto on the map as a hub of innovation. We can connect you to experts who are here to benefit your event.

How does BET build upon its team members’ experience and vast knowledge of the city?

Business Events Toronto acts as a gateway to the very best this city has to offer. But every client experience is different and we recognize that. We live and breathe the belief that there are no limits to hospitality. Creativity and personalization go a long way and we go out of our way to deliver that.

Describe two recent events where the BET team went above and beyond to bring a client’s vision to reality.
In 2018 we welcomed 24,000 members of Rotary from more than 175 countries for the 109th annual International Convention. It was the largest convention Toronto had hosted in the past five years, as well as the largest multicultural gathering based on the country of origin of attendees. We helped manage off-site dinners for 2,400 people at local Rotary clubs, restaurants and in many cases the dining rooms of Toronto-area Rotary members. While it was challenging in terms of coordinating logistics and transportation around the city, the attendees were able to share a good meal with great company and experience a very unique taste of Toronto that they might not have experienced otherwise.

Last year we also welcomed more than 4,000 elite salespeople from NU SKIN Greater China for their annual incentive trip. Attendees arrived from China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan over six days—this was the largest single company trip from Greater China to ever visit Toronto. The itinerary encouraged attendees to explore Downtown Toronto as well as the surrounding region, including an exclusive dinner party in Niagara Falls featuring a fireworks and light show at the Horseshoe Falls. As well, the attendees experienced a study abroad component with a lecture program at the downtown University of Toronto campus. Accessing the thought leadership and excellence in the educational field was something that appealed to the organizers and ultimately the partners who were in attendance.

For more information about working with Business Events Toronto contact our team here.

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Q&A With Kathy Nicolay

Describe some of the key economic sectorrelated conferences Toronto is hosting.

The two key economic sectors that stand out to me are life sciences and ICT. I think there is a continued, heightened focus on life sciences meetings in particular and where life sciences intersect with technology. For example, Toronto is hosting RehabWeek 2019 in June. It’s a life sciences conference, but it’s connected to state-of-the-art rehab technology. We’re also hosting the MedTech Conference in 2020, which focuses on medical technology and medical devices.

How do local ambassadors help shape conference content?>

First and foremost, they focus on the science, research and academic part of the conference. It is up to the ambassadors to showcase their fields of expertise. In addition, some associations might ask the local organizing committee to help with social programs or venue suggestions for off-site events and executive board meetings.

Why is Toronto an ideal host for international conferences?

It’s an opportunity to really showcase what Toronto has to offer in different sectors. More conferences are offering technical tours so that attendees can see what’s happening at the institutes around the city. The academics here are really quite amazing. Maclean’s magazine recently ranked the University of Toronto as Canada’s top university in the medical and doctoral category. Our ambassadors tell us that hosting these conferences provides an exchange of knowledge with the top . minds that are coming to the city, and the conferences enrich their own institutes and organizations as well as the community as a whole.

For more information about working with Business Events Toronto contact our team here.

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Getting Here

Posted on July 30, 2018

Transportation is a key logistical component to consider when choosing your next meeting location, and as an island destination, we understand the importance of accessibility. At 31,285 square kilometers, Vancouver Island is similar in size to countries like Belgium and Taiwan and is well serviced by multiple transportation providers and access points. Whether you decide to travel by air or sea, from the moment you depart, you will understand what makes the journey to Victoria, B.C. so special.

1. UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE

Getting to Victoria and Vancouver Island becomes a sightseeing tour of the Pacific Northwest. Catch a glimpse of whales from the ferry deck or watch eagles soar from high above in a plane or helicopter. As you enter British Columbia’s capital city, it is easy to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding Salish Sea and Olympic mountain range on the horizon.

Photo Credit: Mike Ogilvie

2. UNPARALLELED EASE

No matter your departing location, there are many options for your delegates to choose from when travelling to Victoria, B.C.

FLY INTO VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (YYJ)

Victoria International Airport recently made CNN’s Top 10 List of “Most Loved Airports in the World”, and for good reason. Known for its efficiency and friendliness, you’ll be welcomed to British Columbia’s capital with open arms. The airport is regularly serviced by WestJet, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Pacific Coastal Airlines. Groups can utilize the YYJ Airport Shuttle for quick service to downtown Victoria (25-30 minutes) or work with transportation partners like L.A. Limousines, The Wilson’s Group or CVS Tours for charter services.

Direct flight access is available from:
Canada: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Kelowna, Whitehorse, Prince George, Abbotsford
USA: Seattle
Mexico: Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerta Vallarta

DEPARTING FROM VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

FLY

Arrive from downtown Vancouver by seaplane or helicopter to the heart of Victoria. Perfect for incentive groups, fly your top performers in with Harbour Air Seaplanes or Helijet for a memorable adventure.

SAIL

BC Ferries operates the largest and most sophisticated ferry system in the world, with multiple daily sailings between Tsawwassen, 45 minutes south of Vancouver, and Swartz Bay, 40 minutes’ drive north of Victoria. Drive-on daily coach service between Vancouver and Victoria is available with BC Ferries Connector bus. Total sailing time is 1 hour 35 minutes.

V2V Vacations operates March 15 – October 31 and offers daily luxury, passenger-only cruise service between downtown Vancouver and Victoria. Meander through the Gulf Islands during the 3-hour sailing, which can accommodate up to 256 passengers.

Prince of Whales combines the best of transportation and wildlife viewing, offering downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria service aboard their whale watching catamaran, Salish Sea Dream.

DEPARTING FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

FLY

Kenmore Air operates scenic, 45-minute seaplane flights from Lake Union, Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

SAIL

Clipper Vacations has deployed a new and improved vessel, the Clipper V, to their existing passenger-only service. Holding 440 passengers, the high-speed catamaran connects downtown Victoria and Seattle in less than 3 hours.

DEPARTING FROM PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON

SAIL

Black Ball Ferry Line (Coho Ferry) provides vehicle/passenger ferry service between Victoria’s Inner Harbour and Port Angeles, Washington, the gateway to Olympic National Park.

3. UNPARALLELED OFFERS

Several of our transportation partners provide preferred rates for meetings and events. For more information, check out Victoria’s group transportation offers or contact the Business Events Victoria team.

For more great insight, visit our Capital Ideas Blog!

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5 Offsite Venues Guaranteed to Impress Your Delegates

Posted on June 27, 2018

We know that for many conferences, a great offsite event is the pinnacle experience for delegates. We’ve compiled a list of 5 extraordinary offsite venues that are sure to leave your attendees impressed.

Treat your delegates like royalty. Robert Dunsmuir, a wealthy Victorian entrepreneur, started building the lavish Craigdarroch Castle in 1887 to tout his importance and affluence throughout Western Canada. Influenced by Romanesque architecture, the venue features dramatic spires, interior oak paneling and original stained-glass windows throughout. Best suited for stand-up cocktail receptions, the Castle can accommodate 200 people indoors and even larger groups outside on their 70,000 square foot lawn.

There is just something special about being in a museum after hours (Night at the Museum, anyone?). Home to over 7 million artifacts and 26,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, the Royal BC Museum contains the province’s foremost collection of natural and human history. Dine inside the Totem Hall of B.C.’s First Peoples gallery or bring your event to life within the replica exhibit of Victoria’s Old Town. Elevate your event with themed food and entertainment (think Asian fusion cuisine in Victoria’s replica Chinatown or a traditional Lekwungen dance performance in the First Peoples gallery).

In bloom for over 100 years, The Butchart Gardens turned what was once a limestone quarry into a floral spectacle spanning 55 acres. Now a National Historic Site, the Butchart Gardens has over 1 million plants on display, creating a picturesque backdrop to any gathering. Treat your delegates to a tour before enjoying a west-coast inspired meal in one of their five indoor/outdoor spaces. The Butchart Gardens can accommodate up to 220 for a sit-down meal and 400 for a stand-up reception.

Situated within the historic Steamship Terminal building constructed in 1924, The Robert Bateman Centre is a landmark venue dedicated to the work of Canada’s most famed wildlife artist, Robert Bateman. First and foremost an art gallery, the space features over 100 items ranging from his earliest work to his most recent peices, and also offers sweeping views of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The venue houses one central gallery with eight adjoining galleries and can accommodate stand-up receptions for 100 and seated dinners for 60. Gallery admission included.

The Victoria Public Market occupies the historic Hudson Building, which was constructed in 1921 as one of Canada’s six original Hudson Bay Company retail stores. The venue is an attractive mix of modern and industrial, offering 3,000 square feet of space, with tall ceilings, smooth concrete floors and an on-site community kitchen, useful for staging, cooking or storage. The Market can hold 350 standing, 216 for a sit-down dinner and 180 with a dance floor.

Contact our Business Events Victoria team to start planning your event today.

For more great insight, visit our Capital Ideas Blog!

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A Convention Destination

Hosting a convention in Saskatchewan was an easy decision for the Canadian Special Crops Association (CSCA). The CSCA hosted the 2018 Pulse & Special Crops Convention (PSCC 2018) at the Delta Hotel in Regina summer 2018, which brought 420 people from 25 countries – the largest event of its kind in North America. Saskatchewan is known worldwide as a reputable supplier of high-quality pulses and special crops. Regina was therefore the perfect location for PSCC 2018, as delegates had the rare opportunity to see Saskatchewan’s pulse fields and meet the farmers, processors and traders who make up Saskatchewan’s pulse and special crops industry.

Local Support

From the initial stages of planning, the CSCA partnered with Economic Development Regina, Tourism Regina and the Regina Hotel Association. A dedicated team stayed with us from start to finish, ensuring that we got what we needed, when we needed it. Their valuable insight and knowledge with the city of Regina helped us answer all our questions and really made our jobs easy. As convention planners you need many people to pull off an event of this calibre so having access to this team provided us with the expertise and extra hands we needed. The CSCA worked with local vendors and suppliers recommended for everything from a local caterer and brewery at the reception, flowers for the gala, and elevator wraps for the hotel.

The Regina Experience

The team organized a bustling two-day program for the CSCA that started the moment we arrived at YQR. We visited sites in the city of and the surrounding areas and were treated to spectacular views of Saskatchewan’s Qu’Appelle Valley. A short drive outside the city will showcase rolling hills, beautiful colorful scenery on the drive to a world class golf course. Along the way a local orchard, and a distillery were highlighted that produced amazing products from Saskatchewan. The city site tour included the RCMP Heritage Centre (a unique Canadian experience), Mosaic Stadium, Evraz Place, the Conexus Arts Centre, Casino Regina all located in downtown Regina. There were so many amazing venues that made our decision difficult for a reception. But one decision was easy – the decision to partner with great people at Economic Development, Tourism Regina and the Regina Hotel Association, the CSCA is truly grateful for the Regina experience!

Denise Hawryluk
Senior Manager, Events and Programming
CSCA / Pulse Canada

Contact Conventions Regina to learn more >