It doesn't appear likely that the old Moe-Ze-On-Inn site will see gamblers laying down their cash in a new casino.
"It is not our preferred location," Gateway Senior Vice President Carrie Kormos told BayToday. "I know the city had re-zoned it prior to Gateway being selected as the service provider but we would like to look for a site that aligns better with our vision of what we want to build and invest in the North Bay economy."
That means ample parking, visibility from the street and making sure it is located in a part of town where there is other economic and business activity.
That doesn't sound like the Mo-ze location. Komos agrees that's in the middle of nowhere.
"One thing the OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming) made clear in the modernization process is that they wanted to encourage companies, when making investments, that they can be located in appropriate places closer to the population centre.
So if that site is out, which one is in?
Sources say the two sites preferred are the old Kenroc site at the north end of the waterfront or vacant property on Highway 17 W across from the hospital.
"I'm sure the development team is laying out what could go on properties that meet their needs," added Kormos without saying what those properties are. What we're trying to figure out is which one makes sense for us for the development we'd like to build as well as the community."
Kormos doesn't know if the city can insist it locate at Pinewood but doesn't think it would get to that point.
"We've had very positive discussions with the city."
But it appears neither Pinewood nor the Highway 17 W locations are what the casino operators want.
"Those sites are not in the designated zone the OLG created for a North Bay casino."
That isn't necessarily a deal-breaker admits Komos.
"We would have to go to the OLG and ask if they would consider being flexible as it is outside of their zone."
But that would likely risk getting a smaller facility, with less investment and fewer jobs created.
"When the people of North Bay have a chance to see the kind of properties that we build...we build really beautiful, spectacular spots. Whether you gamble or not you can enjoy a nice meal so I think when we get to the point where it makes sense to be able to share what is possible for North Bay, I think people will be quite excited about it."
That opportunity could come before the site is selected, says Komos.
Sources say Mayor Al McDonald's insistence the casino not be at the waterfront may derail plans for a larger facility and the investment that goes with it.
McDonald did not respond to a request by BayToday regarding the proposed sites.
Just this week a new $60 million dollar casino plan was announced for Sudbury.
See: Casino construction will pump $60 million into Sudbury's economy
