One of the first orders of business for the new Ontario Lottery and Gaming President and CEO, Stephen Rigby was to come to Sault Ste. Marie. “The Sault is a huge part of the OLG and will continue to be” Rigby told members of the media Wednesday at the Civic Centre.
Rigby met with MPP David Orazietti and Mayor Provenzano.
Only 12 days on the job and still “learning the ropes” Rigby talked about the long process of the OLG modernization plan and agreed with Orazietti that they are not rushing to complete the plan.
“It is my understanding that the Eastern bundles (of Casino’s) will be announced in the next several months first and the other bundles will follow said Orazietti. “I think by mid-year is the target for the northern bundle” The Northern Bundle will see Northern Ontario casino’s managed and operated by a private company. “Sault Ste. Marie will continue to play a leadership role within the organization” but noted there were challenges ahead with the modernization goals.
“We’ve had a very productive meeting with the Minister” Mayor Provenzano said,” I’m positive we will have a good working relationship going forward.” Provenzano summed it up as a “good start”
Rigby commented that Sault Ste. Marie is “pivotal to the success” of lottery and gaming in Ontario.
