Entertainment
Plans to relocate Casino Nova Scotia from Halifax’s waterfront to Dartmouth Crossing are progressing. The Nova Scotia government confirmed it has struck a deal with Great Canadian Entertainment to build a new casino complex in Dartmouth. The company will own and manage the construction, operation, and long-term maintenance of the site, which is expected to open by 2029.
The Old Property Will Be Available for Redevelopment
According to a recent report by The Chronicle Herald, the move has been carefully planned. After years of discussions, Dartmouth Crossing emerged as an obvious choice thanks to its status as a retail and commercial hub located just across the harbour. The area’s highway access, proximity to hotels and a steady stream of foot traffic offer indisputable advantages.
The existing Halifax casino, situated along the waterfront, will remain open during the transition. The province has also begun searching for potential buyers interested in the old property. Licensing conditions ensure that the land can be redeveloped without complications tied to the casino lease. Officials say the sale could take a year to a year and a half, but no final timeline has been set.
Great Canadian Entertainment has already purchased land near the Dartmouth Crossing retail district for the new venue and is now working to secure a local permit. The company and the province, through the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, will cover construction and relocation costs and continue to supply gaming equipment.
Dartmouth Crossing Boasts Notable Advantages
Despite the expected benefits, skeptics have questioned how the relocation might affect Halifax’s downtown. The casino has been a fixture on the waterfront for decades, first opening in 1995 before moving into its current standalone building in 2000. Its presence has contributed to the area’s nightlife and tourism economy, attracting locals and visitors.
Officials, however, have downplayed concerns about economic loss, arguing that the location will be highly beneficial for the Halifax Regional Municipality in the long run. They noted that Dartmouth Crossing already attracts visitors from the entire province, making it an obvious choice to sustain or even bolster gaming-related traffic.
The province does not expect this move to disrupt revenue streams. Casino operations in Halifax and Sydney generated more than $40 million last year. These funds are essential for supporting public services like health care and education. Officials say these revenues should remain stable, regardless of where the casino is located.
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Deyan Dimitrov