Casino Niagara Reopening Date
Gaming is no longer a sure bet - at least not in a post-pandemic world.
- Seneca Niagara Casino Reopening Date
- Niagara Falls Casino Reopening Date
- Casino Niagara Reopening Dates
“The landscape for gaming in Ontario is unknown,” admits Corey Dalton, the president of Unifor Local 1090 which represents thousands of casino workers including 1,050 unionized employees at Casino Rama.
Seneca Gaming Corporation will reopen Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino on Thursday, June 18. Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino will reopen the following week on Thursday, June 25. Seneca Allegany Resort. The tribal casino operator recently made it clear that the government has completed the Ontario Gaming Industry Health and Safety Guidelines. Casino Niagara, Niagara Fallsview Casino CA$6m Contribution Swells City Coffers; This would pave the way for the eventual safe reopening of casino locations which is expected to take place this summer. Niagara Falls Will Be ‘Broke by December’ Due to Seneca-New York Casino Dispute. Posted on: September 20, 2017, 05:00h. Last updated on: September 21, 2017, 11:34h.
“There may be a reduction in business due to caution from guests in a COVID-19 era, or there may be an increase in business due to pent-up demand for gaming.
Las Vegas plans to reopen its casinos June 4. He said Niagara Casinos is polling customers for feedback 'as we plan our re-opening to ensure that we are able to meet their needs.' NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino reopens Thursday morning at 10 a.m. With the reopening, there are some important changes people need to know. Face masks are required.
“We do not have a clear answer here,” Dalton told OrilliaMatters.
Uncertainty has been the norm since the pandemic hit and, for gamblers, that was never more evident than when the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) shut down casinos in Ontario on March 16 amid growing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.
Still no word either on when construction might resume at Cascades Casino on Pinewood Park Drive in North Bay, also owned by Gateway.
See:New casino delayed. No date for construction to start
'We can't commit to a date to resume construction in North Bay,' Rob Mitchell, Gateway Casinos' Director of Communications told BayToday. 'Our primary focus is reopening our 12 existing sites across the province.'
With a myriad of COVID-19 restrictions still in place - including limiting gatherings to five people, physical distancing rules, among others - it seems apparent casinos won’t re-open anytime soon.
And when they do open, things will be much different.
But Mitchell, the director of communications for Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited, which operates Casino Rama and Georgian Downs, said it’s unclear just how different things will be.
“Presently we are working with the Ontario Government and the Canadian Gaming Association on developing stringent health and safety protocols for reopening that adhere to guidance from public health officials and our regulatory agencies,” Mitchell said.
“It would be premature at this point in time to speculate on what those protocols will ultimately be, but obviously they will set out measures to provide the safest environment we can for our employees, guests and the public – and build on our existing rigorous cleaning and sanitizing procedures,” he said.
Mitchell said all shows at the Casino Rama Entertainment Centre have been postponed, but he said officials “hope to reschedule with new dates some time in the future.”
Neither Mitchell nor Dalton would venture a guess at when casinos might re-open.
“(I) will not speculate on an opening date,” said Dalton. “We are confident that all stakeholders (Gateway Entertainment, Unifor Local 1090, OLG) will closely follow public health recommendations before returning to business.”
While an opening date is “unknown,” Dalton said the union has “received assurances from Gateway that a joint Health & Safety committee will collaborate on solutions for a safe return-to-work when the time is appropriate.”
He said the union “will collaborate closely with Gateway to ensure the safety of our members is the absolute top priority when casinos re-open.”
He said employees are “extremely eager to get back to work.” But the environment has to be safe, he stressed.
“Local 1090 representatives will be carefully examining all available safeguards and will advocate for any measures that will help provide our members and casino guests with a safe gaming experience,” said Dalton.
“Increased sanitation of gaming equipment, protective screens, limited seating, reduced capacity, personal protective equipment, and guest screening prior to entry are some of the options that will be discussed with the employer,” Dalton said.
It is unlikely that casinos will re-open all amenities at one time. For example, restaurants remain closed throughout the province for eat-in service, so the future of the eight restaurants in Casino Rama is unclear.
And it is likely that a show at the entertainment centre, where people are packed in a 5,000-seat venue, could be further away.
“As far as timing for the various amenities that the casinos provide, there is no timeline at this point,” said Dalton, who said it’s “possible that opening could be in phases.”
He stressed, “however (that) no plans have been discussed” as of yet.
Meanwhile, the casino has published a survey on its Facebook page, asking patrons to weigh in on potential protocols and concerns.
Mitchell said it’s not possible to provide any further detailed information right now.
“Given the day-to-day nature of this pandemic that is all I can tell you right now,” he said.
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Percy: ‘We are very well suited for a strong rebound’
By Joshua Maloni
GM/Managing Editor
Retail stores √
Barbershops and salons √
Restaurants √
Houses of worship √
Graduation ceremonies √
As Niagara County prepares for phase three of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “New York Forward” reopening process, answers, dates and procedures have been given for a number of items.
The reemergence of one significant sector, however, is still unknown.
Tourism.
Cuomo’s plan has said arts, entertainment and recreation are part of phase four – which could come locally as soon as Tuesday, June 30. That said, the governor recently allowed houses of worship to reopen at 25% capacity, gave the OK for outdoor graduation ceremonies of 150 people or less, and reopened restaurant patios in between phases two and three – so, it’s possible tourist attractions could come back on a different date.
Destination Niagara USA President and CEO John Percy said, “As far as we are aware, attractions are in phase four. Many of the attractions across Niagara County are currently working on their safety plans and submitting them to the state for approval.”
Two of the most prominent tourist attractions in Niagara County are the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls State Park. Each one is closed – as is the Orin Lehman Visitor Center, Niagara Adventure Theater, and Observation Tower.
Seneca Niagara Casino Reopening Date
Speaking on behalf of the Maid of the Mist, Kevin Keenan said, “Maid of the Mist is a concession in New York State Parks and for that reason, it is up to State Parks to determine when Maid of the Mist will open. It is not clear to the Maid whether we or any other attractions in the park are in a particular phase. In the meantime, Maid of the Mist has made a number of revisions to our safety plan that will need to be approved by New York State Parks.”
State Parks would not provide details on Maid of the Mist, or indicate when the Cave of the Winds would reopen. Its website noted visitors can walk the park grounds and view the water.
Speaking on behalf of the Maid of the Mist, Kevin Keenan said, “Maid of the Mist is a concession in New York State Parks and for that reason, it is up to state parks to determine when Maid of the Mist will open. It is not clear to the Maid whether we or any other attractions in the park are in a particular phase. In the meantime, Maid of the Mist has made a number of revisions to our safety plan that will need to be approved by New York State Parks.”
State Parks would not provide details on Maid of the Mist, or indicate when the Cave of the Winds would reopen.
The Aquarium of Niagara issued a press release Wednesday that said, in lieu of an immediate opening, it would mark its 55th anniversary this weekend with a special “look-back” video and a commemorative T-shirt that will be for sale at www.aquariumofniagara.org.
Old Fort Niagara Executive Director Robert Emerson said, “Over the centuries, Old Fort Niagara has withstood famines, sieges, surprise attacks and the storms of Lake Ontario. If you’ve wondered how Old Fort Niagara has been doing during the pandemic, it’s been tough. On March 20, our doors closed in the interest of public health. Like other closed museums and historic sites right now, our resources are dwindling. Without visitors, we’re without revenues that sustain us.” The Youngstown historic site is offering a series of virtual distance-learning programs in June.
NFP reached out to Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours operator John Kinney. He did not provide a response as of press time. The WJBT website states, “Our updated opening date is scheduled for July 1st, 2020 in Lewiston, New York. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will make changes to our operating dates if necessary.”
Niagara Falls’ Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours also is delayed. A Facebook post stated, “Safety has always been #RainbowAirInc first priority. With saying that, until further notice we will hold off on opening day for #Season2020 Please check back to see when we are going to kickoff our XXV Season! In the meantime, please stay home, stay safe and most importantly, stay healthy.”
Not having these attractions open to the public has struck a significant blow to the area.
“This crisis has hit our local tourism economy incredibly hard,” Percy said. “As an example, the most recent hotel data shows a nearly 80% decrease in occupancy year over year for April.”
Maid of the Mist and Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours patrons are eager to get back on the water.
If You Build It, They Will Come … But Maybe Not This Year
When attractions do reopen, the next question is will people come and patronize them this summer?
Travel across the northern border bridges is limited until July. A May 10 article in the New York Times, citing a study from Airlines for America, stated airline “passenger traffic is down about 94%, and half of the industry’s 6,215 planes are parked at major airports and desert airstrips.”
Percy said, “Based on government restrictions and traveler sentiment, we don't anticipate overseas visitors coming to Niagara Falls USA until 2021 and beyond. This could change once restrictions are lifted, as well as other factors affecting inbound travel to the United States.”
Though a smaller-scale tourism season isn’t ideal, Percy said, “Once the attractions are able to reopen, we feel that we are very well suited for a strong rebound. Industry research suggests that once consumers begin to travel again, they will likely do so within a six-hour drive from their home. We have always been an extremely strong drive-market destination and that’s where we are placing a heavy marketing focus. We also have an abundance of outdoor attractions and activities, which make us a particularly attractive destination right now due to social distancing and safety guidelines.”
WATCH:
Niagara Falls is Open
State parks have remained open throughout the course of the coronavirus pandemic, and Cuomo’s “New York State on PAUSE” order – which closed all nonessential businesses in late March. He shifted to “New York Forward” in mid-May.
Niagara Falls State Park is gradually reopening and welcoming tourists.
Delaware North handles the concession and retail operations. Director of Corporate Communications Glen White said, “Delaware North on June 5 reopened some retail shops and food and beverage outlets at Niagara Falls State Park.”
General Manager Michael Barnes oversaw the creation of a safety plan, working in partnership with New York State Parks.
White said, “Open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are the snack bar, ice cream shop and gift shop at the Cave of the Winds Pavilion, the gift shop at the Top of the Falls at Terrapin Point and the snack shop near Prospect Point. It should be noted that the Cave of the Winds, Top of the Falls restaurant and Maid of the Mist have not yet opened for the season.
“For its operations at the park, Delaware North has implemented a comprehensive program in response to COVID-19. The Rest Assured Commitment to Care program features new health and safety standards aimed at helping keep guests and employees safe. Delaware North has reengineered operating procedures to minimize contact risk and bolster hygiene protocols to meet or exceed best-practice guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“The Rest Assured program at Niagara Falls State Park includes:
√ “Upholding current social distancing guidelines as directed by local and state health officials and in compliance with the CDC.
√ “Enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols for all high-touch surfaces in common areas.
√ “Most points of sale accept touchless mobile wallet payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
√ “Hand-sanitizing stations.
√ “Plexiglas dividers at points of sale.
√ “Rest Assured signage, including for social distancing.
“In addition, our employees:
√ “Take a health check when they report to work.
√ “Sanitize their hands when they report to work and are required to wash and sanitize their hands frequently throughout the shift.
√ “Undergo a comprehensive Rest Assured training program.
√ “Wear face coverings while they are on duty.”
Seneca Niagara Reopening Next Week
Seneca Gaming Corp. will reopen Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino on Thursday.
In a press release issued earlier this week, Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. said, “After being closed for nearly three months, we are now ready to move forward with the safe, responsible and systematic reopening of our gaming facilities. This is a signature moment in our region’s economic recovery from the circumstances that arose as a result of this unprecedented public health crisis.”
Interim CEO and CFO David Sheridan said, “The health and safety of our team members, guests and their families continues to be our highest priority.”
To that end, the company stated, “The Seneca Resorts & Casinos team has established a comprehensive plan informed by public health experts and CDC guidance to adapt all front-facing and back-of-house procedures to maintain a safe and fun environment. The plan, which can be accessed in full at SenecaNiagaraCasino.com, includes protocols for social distancing, disinfecting measures, and wellness screenings for both team members and guests.”
“We are confident in opening Seneca Resorts & Casinos in phases while implementing the most comprehensive steps across all of our departments to ensure an effective return to operations while protecting everyone in the facility,” Sheridan said. “We look forward to reconnecting with our extended Seneca family … from a distance.”
The casino PR team noted hotel operations and the spa and salon will remain closed, as will most restaurants. Some slot machines will open, but there will be no table games.
STIR and The Lobby Bar are closed. Morrie’s will offer grab-and-go options, as will Blues Burger, which is also able to provide sit-down dining in the front wing.
Meanwhile in Lockport
Niagara Falls Casino Reopening Date
Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises opened Thursday, according to a tweet sent earlier in the day.
Tourists come from around the world to take a Rainbow Air Helicopter ride.
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