The site for North Bay's new Cascades Casino will be home to a protest for World Turtle Day May 23.
Save the Turtle, Stop the Casino spokesman Greg Gray tells BayToday that the protest will actually cover three days with an educational seminar, guest speakers and more, all to "shellebrate" World Turtle Day.
See: Can a smiling turtle derail casino plans?
The day was created as an annual observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.
"We're going to be celebrating the turtle and other endangered species on May 23, 24 and 25. We're going to have a three-day event and if I get approval from the committee we're going to be shutting down the highway there." That highway links North Bay and Callander.
The property on Pinewood Park Drive bordering Cook Creek will be the focus of protests.
See: Gateway confirms casino location
"What I'm trying to do is get a youth section and get some kids out on the site," added Gray. "Not only Blandings but all endangered species and what the Ontario government is intending to do. It looks like they are leaning towards 'pay for kill,' pay $100,000 for the permit and do what you like."
See: Government is launching a $4.5m 'Species at Risk' stewardship program
Gateway Casinos hopes to have its new location operating by the spring of next year.
See: North Bay's 'Cascades Casino' to open in spring of 2020
