Site Design & Hosting By Computer Works Casino job fair comes next year November 7, 2001 Gananoque reporter If you want a job at the new Thousand Islands Charity Casino, you're going to have to wait for the job fair in February or March. That was the main thrust of the speech by Jake Pastore, manager of municipal affairs and economic development for the Ontario lottery and gaming Corp. [OLGC]. Both Mr. Pastore and Jim Cronin, the OLGC's communications director, were keynote speakers at the Thousand Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner at the Glen House resort November first. Mr. Pastore explained the Thousand Islands Charity Casino, which is currently under construction, has set up a temporary office in Gananoque. However, that is not the place to apply for a job, he said.  "The office is not set up to accept any resumes at this point. I really want to stress that," he said. Instead, the casino will hold a job fair in February or March of 2002. The exact date will depend on how construction progresses, he explained. The job fair will be a one day event, from 9 AM to 9 PM. However, people may arrive at any time during these hours, Mr. Pastore explained.  "It's not first come, first get a job," he said. "You'll get treated this same [way] at 7:55 AM as 7:55 PM." All job candidates will first attend a briefing about the casino and its operations. Mr. Pastore noted that employees of all OLGC's casino's must be licensed and submit to a background check. Candidates will be limited to applying for two positions at the casino, Mr. Pastore said. Strong customer service skills and personal skills will be highly valued. All candidates will participate in a 10 minute interview by OLGC. Some will then be called back for second-round interviews. Mr. Pastore said that the OLGC hoped to make most job offers within 90 days. Those who cannot attend the job fair will still be allowed to submit applications and resumes and will still be considered for jobs he said. "The job fair will be extensively advertised in the local newspapers," he added. Mr. Pastore explained that management positions at the casino would not be filled through the job fair. Instead, they would be advertised in local newspapers and posted internally at OLGC. Mr. Pastore estimates that three-quarters of all casino jobs will be filled with local applicants. He added that "local" means Gananoque, the township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands and Kingston. Mr. Pastore said the casino would also hold information sessions for potential vendors and suppliers and any business wishing to sell to it must be licensed.  "[But] once a business is registered to do business with us, that does not guarantee that they will be successful [in securing the contract]," he cautioned. Mr. Cronin also provided a brief update on the construction of the casino. He said that 15 of the sites 35 acres will be covered by the casino building, while 10 acres are set aside as wetlands. He said construction is on time and OLGC hoped to have the building closed in by Christmas. He also said that two sets of traffic lights will be erected near the casino as well as two large billboards. In his introduction, Mr. Cronin noted that the Thousand Islands Charity Casino would be the OLGC's fifth Charity Casino. He noted these casinos generate $100 million in revenue a year for the Trilliun foundation and $21 million goes towards the OLGC's "responsible gaming program" to help problem gamblers. Casino seals poker run deal. January 16, 2002 Gananoque reporter   Safety on the water is one of the biggest issues that face the thousand Islands poker run. That's why Poker Runs of America has increased its liability insurance to $5 million from $2 million for the Gananoque event. "We've been in this business for 14 years and I'm proud to say we haven't had a major incident," said Larry Boyd, marketing director for Poker Runs of America. "And we want to keep it that way." Police are concerned with high volume of boat traffic and keeping alcohol off the water. "They are concerned that there is so much traffic for such a small area," said Mr. Boyd. "that's something we have to iron out... Just a few minor details, but we're a go for sure in Gananoque." Poker Runs of America brings high-caliber boating events to communities.  "Our forte is to come to town and bring in significant economic impact," said Mr. Boyd. "By aggressive marketing and advertising, we are bringing in more people and more spectators. We promote the runs internationally and help provide opportunities for communities to make money... We have no problem getting boats or keeping it to a maximum." The thousand Islands poker run is said to generate more than $1 million into the area. Earlier this year, there was talk the poker run might shift to Kingston. The deciding factor, according to Mr. Boyd, the involvement of the thousand Islands charity casino. "It's our intention of creating a casino oriented poker run in Gananoque," said Mr. Boyd. "We wanted casino involvement because we've been building poker runs around casino's internationally." According to Gananoque Mayor Sylvia Fletcher Thomas, having the Poker Run stay in town is great news. "I happened to be at a [chamber] meeting when [casino manager] Cam Uhren asked what they could do to get the poker run to stay in town," said the Mayor. "I'm just really pleased they got things going and that its staying in town." If the Mayor reiterated earlier statements that the town has done everything it could to accommodate the huge powerboating weekend when some 150 offshore powerboats participate in what has been dubbed the "granddaddy of poker runs". Thousands of visitors descend upon the area as well, generating claims that more than $1 million is added to the local economy over the weekend. When asked about the possibility of Joel Stone Beach becoming a people place only and how it would effect the powerboating weekend, the Mayor was hesitant. "We're still waiting on the recommendations from the waterfront development committee," she said. The recommendations may affect such events as the poker run weekend, the classic car show and even Heritage days during the festival of the Islands. " We should be hearing back from the waterfront committee soon," said Ms. Fletcher Thomas. "They will have the recommendations." As for previous requests by the poker run committee to have a walk of fame in Joel Stone Park, or a hospitality can erected in the area, the Mayor responded: "I don't want to comment on that without the rest of councils input." "They [poker run committee] haven't come forward with any requests yet for this year, but I don't think there will be any problems." As a business owner in Gananoque, John Keilty is the innkeeper at the Gananoque Iinn.  He said he was pleased that the poker run was a go for this year. "To lose it would have been an atrocity," he said. "Traditionally, the poker run weekend is the biggest in Gananoque and it would be a shame to lose it." Mr. Keilty says he's booked to capacity a year in advance.  "When we heard at the Chamber of Commerce meeting that the poker run was pulling out a Gananoque, we decided to do everything in our power to get it to stay," he said. "But then it was discussed that if they left, we'd have one anyway." A few ideas that both Poker Runs of America and Thousand Islands Poker Run committee's may look into include a hospitality tent and a walk of fame. "The walk of fame is something that needs the support of local sponsorship," said Mr. Boyd. "It's something that [the thousand Islands poker run committee] came up with and I think it's a great idea." The walk of fame idea proposes a brick walkway in the Joel Stone Park area engraved with longtime poker runners names. "Those who have supported the local poker run for a number of years will be recognized on the walk of fame," said Mr. Boyd. "That was my understanding." Mr. Boyd added that a hospitality tent is also a great idea to generate money locally.  "Hospitality tents are prevalent at all Poker Runs of America events," he said "it's not like the guys [boaters] sit in the beer tent all day and get wasted." A hospitality tent is just another way for a service group to make money for the community."  "Beer on the pier, water on the water... That's our motto and safety is our No. 1 priority."  Casino Job Fair Comes Feb 6, 2002 Gananoque Reporter  A job fair to recruit staff for the 1000 Islands Charity Casino is scheduled for Feb.22 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Feb. 23 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It begins at The Boulevard Cinema building, but participants will be asked to proceed to two other buildings. Applicants should bring their resumes and may apply for a maximum of two positions. About 350 people will be recruited, about 160 full-time and 190 part-time. At the job fair, you will receive information about available positions. There will be an orientation video and information session as well as a brief mini-interview. If you cannot attend, you are still eligible for a position. Applications will be accepted at the casino's temporary office at 280 Main St. The casino is expected to open early this summer. This information was provided by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission in a press release. Casino hiring is at half-way point Gananoque Reporter - Apr 24, 2002 About 220 of 479 hired; many others at the job offer stage Hiring at the new 1000 Islands Charity Casino is not quite half compled, says General Manager Cam Uhren. "We haven't finished hiring," he says, adding that 220 of the 479 full and part-time employees have been hired to date. "A number are in the (job) offer stage," he explained. "We get offers out to see if people are interested." The casino represents a bonanza for local realtors (see separate story in this edition). "I told the realtors that in a town this size, with number of houses available, to wait until we started hiring," says Mr. Uhren. "They will see real estate go sky high. Realtors said they expected 135 experienced Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission (OLGC) casino employees who would need housing to move to Gananoque. Realtors told the Gananoque Reporter last week the housing demand has overwhelmed supply. "We've hired about 114 OLGC employees so far who are experienced." says Mr. Uhren. "We won't be bringing in many more experienced people - maybe another eight or ten - the rest are locals." This includes some former maintenance people from Collins & Aikman. That company is laying off almost 300 employees. "We consider locals to be from Kingston to Brockville; that's the region we are supporting and that will support our casino," says Mr. Uhren.  As of late last week, Mr. Uhren says the casino hired 163 new employees who were not already employed by OLGC and another 54 who were. Of those hired, he says 73 are from Gananoque and region, 74 from Brockville and Kingston combined and 16 from elsewhere.  Of security staff, he says less than 10 are former police officers who collect pensions, so-called double dippers. Mr.Uhren says up-to-date casino hiring information is available by calling 382-0226. This information line is updated weekly by the end of Monday. "If people are willing to use our information line, they can find out where we are at in our hiring," he adds. Real Estate hot thanks to the charity casino Gananoque Reporter - Apr 24, 2002 Available real estate listings in Gananoque are few and far between, according to the town's major realtors. Accommodations for people looking to live in and around town are scarce as more houses are bought and rentals become non-existent. Many people are attributing the recent housing shortage to employees of the new casino who are looking for a place to live close to their work site. "With the influx of of employees from the casino, we've seen a strong demand in the $80,000 to $150,000 market," said Dave Redmond, owner and broker of Redmond Reality. "The supply is down for homes available," he said. "it's really a sellers market, there is large demand for all types of property around here right now." The casino, opening in June, will employ about 500 people, many from out of town. Mike Keyes, owner of Keyes Real Estate, said a lot of the employees are looking to rent, but there are virtually no rentals available in Gananoque. "This is hitting the rental market particularly hard and making it very difficult for people to find an apartment," Mr. Keyes said. "We even had one young couple in here, baby in hand, who were trying to move to the area so the mother could start at the casino in June, but they couldn't afford to buy, and we had nothing to rent." Mr. Keyes also said there may be a shortage coming up of three-bedroom bungalows. As a result, possible renters and home- owners are being forced to look in Kingston and Brockville, said Bill Helmer, a broker with Bickerton Brokers. He said that although the whole country is feeling a 10 percent increase in the market, the casino is making the pull even stronger here. "The people transferring in to work here are making it a really tight market right now," Mr. Helmer said. "It's unbelievable, we need more listings to be able to keep up and not turn people away." Roger Dailey agrees. "Our business is cooking - we've even got buyers waiting in the wings," said Mr Dailey, the owner of R.D. Dailey and Century 21 KC News April 2002 Charity Casino 75 percent completed As construction moves into the final stages at the 1000 Islands Casino, the Ontario Gaming & Lottery Corporation (OLGC) unveiled a few surprises for the media and politicians. The major "wow" that was shown at the end of the guided tour was a small section of 10-by-4 metre wall named the Jewels of the St. Lawrence. It features a graphically stylized map of the the region's island etched onto edge-lit, full-height glass panel presented as an ever-changing, kinetic light scuplture which goes through a sequence of colour changes. The map represents the 1000 Islands from just east of Kingston to Rockport. Dave Maddocks, director of development for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation led the journalists through an area taped off with caution tape. As the tour started in the main lobby, he pointed the structural steel frame work a water feature in the main foyer which consists of a map of brass and bronze with water cascading over it. "Overhead you can see the duct work is in place for the ventilation system, which changes the air 10 times per hour for 100 per cent fresh air at all times." Maddocks explained while standing in the 15,000 square foot gaming area. Other hightlights Maddocks outlined were: ceiling features reminiscent of ships' masts and sails against the sky; Oscars restaurant's facade which is evocotive of the detailing on antique wooden yachts and the restaurant's interior, that seats 160, which is filled with murals that lend to the ambiance of a marina club. David Northcote, architect with the firm of Reich + Petch said the design was a team effort involving the architectural firm and the OLGC. "In terms fo what they (OLGC) were looking for was, to draw patrons by reflecting on the hay-day of recreation," Northcote noted. "The outside is abstract with classic lines. Long smooth lines similar to lake cruisers and the colours reminiscent of the '50s automobiles." Buttcon is project manager for the casino. Micheal Butt, president, said the eight site superintendents on site are doing extremely well. "We will be ready to hand over on May 23," Butt noted. Gordon Barr Limited spent six weeks preparing the site, because of the sensitive nature of the 35-acre parcel of land the casino is built on. From August to September a crew from Gordon Barr prepared the site. "The 15 acres that you see developed here today are environmentally sensitive lands," Maddocks said. "We went to great lengths to protect the 20 acres of wetlands." Robert Booth, vice president, construction for Buttcon said, Maddocks "lives and breathes the casino project. He will call any time day or night to tell us what needs to be done." Norak Steel Construction Ltd. fabricated and installed the structural steel work for the facility. Richmond Tile will be installing the carpet and tiling. Flynn Canada Ltd. did the siding and decking. Cesaroni Contracting Inc., is doing the drywall work. More than $14.5 million of the $54 million cost to build the casino went to local firms the complete list is as follows: Inspec Sol Inc, John Goltz Surzeying Inc, Karis Remote Access Systems Inc, Ken O'Conner Building Materials Ltd, Kimco Steel Sales Limited, Kingston Cranes Rentals Ltd, Lafarge Construction Materials, Lennox Fencing, Mallory's Fire Systems Ltd, Pat Funnell Electrical Services, Rigney Building Supplies Ltd, RJS Consulting Services, Rosen Fuels, Sanicomp Computers, AJV Masonry Ltd, Amherst Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd, Brafasco Fastener Service Centres, Clark's Water Service, Commercial Door Systems Ltd, Gananoque Rent-All, Glen Supply Co. Ltd, Gordon Barr Limited, Gorway Signs, Hogan's Septic Service, Hydro One Networks Inc, Sousa Ready Mix, The State Group Commercial Limited (electrical), Tennant's Welding, Totten Sims Hubicki Associates (site servicing), Unique Towing & Recovery, United Rentals of Canada Inc, vignola Building Services Inc, Waster Services Inc, Wilcore Concrete Drilling & Cutting Ltd, WP Green and Sons Constuction, Paul Tompkins, AFGD Glass, Spada Tile (BLVL) Ltd, Simplex Grinnell, Tordiff Communications Inc, Brough Sheet Metal, Lockerbire, Burchell, Group 4 Securities (Canada) Ltd, and Showteck Communications. The following is a list of consultant firms that helped in the design element; Electrical Mars Group Ltd, Structural Yolles Partnership Inc, The Mitchell Partnership Inc, mechanical co-ordination, C.D.B. Technical Service, Crossey Engineering Ltd, Ian Gray & Associates Ltd. Gananoque Reporter Jun 26, 2002 Casino is glitz and glitter Annual payroll of some $16 million highlighted by speakers. Casino tokens tinkle from the slot machine and Kally McCarney is jubilant. "I've never won," she says in astonishment, "never won." Thursday's gala opening of the Thousand Islands Charity Casino was celebrated as a victory by many. "This is great." said Reeve Harold Grier of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands. "It should be a big boom for both Gananoque and the township." Gananoque Mayor Sylvia Thomas concurred and celebrated the new partnership with TLTI. Both municipalities share the costs and benefits equally. "I'm so proud we are working together and shing a facility," she told those attending who paid $50 each for a ticket. That money, $40,000 was donated to the United Way of Leeds and Grenville. So was another $2,000 donated by by casino employees. The marriage between the municipalities means each will share half of the five per cent of gross slot machine revenue. And another marriage was celebrated. "This is the honeymoon for our recent wedding," said Deputy Mayor Tom Lawler, sitting with his new bride at a slot machine. "This is a ray of sunshine for Gananoque," said tourist mogul Hal McCarney. "We need it - it's going to bring tourists and that's what we really need." Former Brockville mayor John Doran, called the casino "a real bonus." "This is a great opportunity ... six years ago, a group started working on a similar project but it didn't come to fruition so this a great day for eastern Onatario." "I think the greatest thing that could have happened to this area," said Gananoque Councillor Greg Dobbie. "Economically, it's going to boost everything from business to people that are looking form work." "A fantastic facillity," said Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman. "This is a destination spot for tourists," he added. "It will provide almost 500 jobs for families in our area and it will provide an economic boost for the region." Here are the figures: about 500 permanent jobs; 78 percent were hired from the Kingston to Brockville area; the annual payroll is $16 million; 530 temporary construction jobs were created during construction. Chief Executive Officer Ron Barbaro of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission shared some more. He mentioned the casino job fair. "....the largest we've ever hosted in this province, " more than 2,500 people over two days. He said $14 million in construction and consulting fees were paid locally to more than 80 local firms. More than 400 companies have expressed interest in doing business with the casino. "And the Thousand Islands Charity Casino will continue to provide opportunities for local business and service providers," he said. Nattily dressed in a tux, Mr. Barbaro combines the patter of a WWF ring announcer with the humour of a comedian to keep an event on track. The casino exterior has been likened to a big box store in appearance. But inside, it's glitz, glitter, lights and the tinkle of silver. Extravagant designs decorate the walls. Banks of slot machinges, some arranged in circles topped with revolving models, occupy every corner. Ther are 450 slot machines in denominations of a nickel up to $5 as well as 18 gaming tables. for the gala opening, the platoon of media was allowed to bring TV and still camers inside for the first ond only time. "Under the gaming control act... no video or still photo equipment is allowed," said OLGC's Jim Cronin. "It's for the integrity and security of the system. You don't want photos taken of security equipment or security procedures." Overnight, Gananoque and area went from three to five traffic lights. Two new sets of lights were erected to control traffic flows in the casino area. The OLGC throws a great party, but their reasearch needs work. Mr. Barbaro said they named the casino restaurant after Oscar Tschirky, a famous maitre'd of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Mr. Barbaro suggested he created the 1000 Islands salad dressing recipe. Local legend has it that a steward created the dressing on one of Waldorf owner George Boldt's cruises in the islands. But in his autobiography possibly on page 33, Oscar wrote that he never visited the 1000 Islands. A local history buff called the Waldorf corporation to ask who the the famous dressing. The response was that "someone" employed by the hotel "probably" created it - this is disputed by many - but it definitely was not Oscar. Tourists love the tall tale. The casino opened for business on Saturday. Gananoque Reporter, October 23, 2002  Last Friday, the Township of Leeds & Thousand Islands and the Town of Gananoque received $456, 114 tax-free from The Ontario Lottery and Gambling Corporation. The money represents 5% of the first 450 machines of The Thousand Islands Charity Casino’s gross slot machine revenue Such a large sum was not expected , and can be used in whatever way the communities choose. People are wondering what April will bring when the next cheque is due. Will the winter months be slower? No one knows yet what the annual revenue will be Gananoque Reporter, October 23, 2002  charity Casino injects nearly $1 million into local economy. There was a sense of giddy excitement at the thousand Islands charity casino Friday afternoon.  This time, though, it wasn't one of the patrons that hit big, it was the town of Gananoque and township of Leeds and thousand Islands. The two municipalities each receive check for $456,114, representing five percent of the facilities gross slot machine revenue. Gananoque Mayor Sylvia Thomas, and township reeve Harold Greer received their cheques from Ontario lottery and gaming corporation chair and CEO Ron Barbaro. "I'm almost speechless," said Ms. Thomas. "I'm shaking, this is really exciting. The money represents the beginning of a wonder partnership for all the residents in Gananoque and township. The pros definitely outweigh the cons."  Mr. Greer said the amount of the cheque far exceeded his expectations and added he's confident his council can put the money to good use. "The money is definitely going to benefit all the taxpayers in Leeds and the thousand Islands," he said. Thomas agreed the amount also exceeded her expectations. "My first thought was we might get $250,000 to split but I was hoping for $400,000 to $450,000. I knew attendance at the casino was up. This proves dreams do come true." Just recently, the casino had to extend its operating hours to accommodate the large number of patrons. Leeds and Grenville MPP Bob Runciman was on hand for the festivities and even he admitted the amount of the first cheque was staggering.  "The amount just blew me away, it's fantastic additional revenue for this area," Mr. Runciman said. "Both councils will find good ways to provide for their communities, it's an enormous benefit to us all." Mr. Runciman added in his view the casino is in the best location of any in the province and "it's clearly attracting new visitors to the area." Now that the money has been received, both councils must decide how best to spend. Gananoque town council has set a meeting for November 8 at noon to begin preliminary discussions. Greer confirmed at the ceremonies Friday his council intends to put the money in the bank and take their time deciding on how best spend it. Ms. Thomas said she has ideas of her own. "My hope is we look infrastructure at the top of the list. I want to repair sidewalks so people can walk safely and make buildings more accessible for the handicapped. We have to take care of what we have and go from there." These comments by the Mayor were echoed by counselor Roger Gibson who was unable to attend the cheque presentation but spoke to the Reporter prior to the event. "There have been no infrastructure projects since I have been on the council so I believe the majority of the money needs to go below the ground. The older pipes and sewer lines need to be brought up to standard. We need to rate the areas from worse to best and start there." Mr. Gibson said the township should start fixing what they have. "It's a great opportunity to get your house in order." Deputy mayor Tom Lawlor said they should put the money in the bank for a bit. "You can't expect a cheque for $450,000 every four months Gananoque Reporter November 27 2002 public gets say in rezoning residents show concern at meeting over proposed resort hotel The public have a lot to say about the proposed rezoning of a parcel of land near Gananoque which would allow for large, upscale resort hotel.  About 20 neighbors and concern residents of the township attended a public meeting Monday night regarding the rezoning of the former Schur's property bordering Highway 401 and highway #2 at the township of Leeds and the thousand Islands Council meeting. The rezoning would see the 28 acre parcel of land, which is currently zoned rural, become tourist commercial, special exception to allow the Casino Inn Resort. The R. J. S. consulting service brought the idea for the hotel to council at a meeting in October, outlining plans for a 7 story, 113 unit, year-round resort hotel to be built on the property. Richard Piche owns a house on top of the hill by the proposed entrance to be in off highway 2. He said he said he bought the property there recently and didn't get proper notification about the proposed plans. "I bought the property for privacy and peace and quiet, and so I have one of the nicest views around Gananoque," Mr. Piche said. "This resort would block my whole view of the pond there and it has the ability to decrease my property value. The entranceway is 60 feet off my back deck. It's amazing to think I could be there barbecuing and have Inn's family come up to my yard with their cameras." He also noted the group should consider moving the entrance way as it would be hidden in its position on the plans and could add to the number of accidents near their. But property value wasn't the only issue brought up by local residents. The engineer hired to deal with the Inn's plans, Scott Cordell, said the hotel could use up to 100,000 liters of water a day, which they will be acquiring from their own dug well. Mr. Cordell said the group still plans to undertake a complete hydrogeological study to determine what capacity the land can sustain. Highway 2 resident Tracy White said that amount of water being drawn from the same grid as her well made her concerned about her well going dry.  "Our well was already going brown around the end of last August," Ms. White said. "What will happen when we hit a dry spell again?" Mr. Cordell said capacity tests still need to be run to show that the property's groundwater will recharge quickly and that there is enough to sustain the hotel without draining neighbors wells.  Mr. Cordell said the hotel's sewage would go through a treatment plant built on site, to a large filtering bed system until it has almost no bacteria in it . It would then be discharged into the ground or the ponds as part of the process to "bring the ponds back to life" by adding oxygen to the water.  Brent Collett, from: Collett Surveying Ltd., said the existing house and shed on the property would likely stay there and be used as an office and possibly a bed and breakfast down the road. Russell Steacy, project manager at R. J. S. consulting, said they are not planning on destroying the green space on the property, but instead trying to preserve it. "It's going to be a selling point for us," he said. "Because of the location we can offer cross-country ski trails and hiking. It's beautiful there, why would we want to change that?" The rezoning application that would see the property go from rural to tourist commercial, special exception, fits with the township's official plan so there is no need for amendment from guidelines outlined in the plan. Also being taken into consideration are the special exception proposed with the rezoning. To allow the hotel, restaurants and convention center complex, the special exception would permit an increase in building height from the current maximum of 10.5 m to more than 29 m, and a setback from the pond from the current 15 m minimum 2 6 m with the provision of 135 parking spaces. Ms. Salter-Keane said the Cataraqui region conservation authority said it has not had opportunity to review the application, but had a specific interest in the proposed setup of the pond in relation to the hotel's parking area. Council deferred its decision to a subsequent meeting. "We deferred until we can gather all the input information we need," said Reeve Harold Grier Gananoque Reporter, January 22, 2003  Town, TLTI split second payment The second installment of the payments from the Thousand Islans Charity Casino was received Friday by the Town of Gananoque and the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands. The town and TLTI each received a cheque for $348,631, money that will be placed in reserve accounts. Gananoque Town Manager, Bill Arthur, said the money was received by direct deposit. The majority of the money was placed in a reserve fund though $152,633 was used to pay off money the town owed for infrastructure improvements near the casino. "Now that we have paid the debt, the money we receive is free and clear," Mr. Arthur said. TLTI Clerk, John Trudgen, said the money they received is also being placed in a reserve account. "Council is going through its 2003 budget review so I expect they'll be making a decision about allocation of the funds by probably mid-March." Mr. Trudgen said he wasn't really surprised by the amount of the cheque. "The big surprise was hearing we were getting a casino two years ago. Everything after that is icing on the cake." Mr. Arthur said he had no expectations for this latest installment. Early projections saw the town and township receiving $1million to $1.5 million each per year from the casino. Each host municipality receives five per cent of the casino's gross slot maching revenue. The Thousand Islands Charity Casino opened Jun 20 and is averaging 3,100 patrons each day.