Operator News
Canada – Bryan Adams helps celebrate opening of Great Canadian Entertainment’s Pickering Casino Resort
By Phil - 28 April 2023
Great Canadian Entertainment has celebrated the Official Grand Opening of its $500m Pickering Casino Resort, east of downtown Toronto, with a performance by legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams and an inauguration celebration that featured ceremonial confetti cannons.
Following a memorable cocktail reception attended by over 300 guests, Great Canadian Entertainment CEO Matthew Anfinson was joined by Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe, Ontario Minister of Finance, The Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, and OLG President & CEO Duncan Hannay who praised the resort as “the most modern casino in Ontario.”
After remarks from dignitaries and acknowledgement of the 1,100 members of the Pickering Casino Resort team, Mayor Ashe counted down to the ‘big moment’, while surrounded by dignitaries from the region, Mr. Anfinson pressed a large red button before confetti rained down on those assembled on stage and the hundreds of people who joined in the festivities.
Following a dinner reception for invited guests in the PIK, the resort’s private function space, Bryan Adams took to the stage and electrified the sold out 2,500-seat The Arena with a dynamic set including many of the legendary artist’s hits, including ‘Cuts Like a Knife’ and ‘Summer of 69’.
Adams engaged the audience and called out Blue Jays players Danny Jansen, Daulton Varsho and Brandon Belt, who presented him with an “Adams 23” Blue Jays jersey prior to show. Other notable Canadians packed the brand-new venue to celebrate the first live performance at the highly anticipated addition to the GTA’s entertainment scene.
The festivities also included the presentation of a $50K donation from Pickering Casino Resort to the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation, recognizing their vital contributions to the health of Durham Region.
Anchoring the Durham Live entertainment campus, The Pickering Casino Resort boasts over 2,000 slot machines, 90 table games, and a luxurious 275-room hotel, which includes a wellness centre with wave pool, sauna, fitness facility, business centre and luxurious guest rooms that are 25% larger than the average hotel room. With a world-class gaming experience for both visitors and locals, exceptional customer service, top-notch live entertainment, and distinct dining options including the brand new Copperhorn Meet House, CA·SU·AL, and acclaimed Vancouver favourite Sun Sui Wah, Pickering Casino Resort is a transformative addition to the GTA.
“We are thrilled to be officially unveiling all of our amazing attractions and especially the brand-new The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort which will bring a new level of entertainment to the region,” said and a declaration from Great Canadian Entertainment CEO Matt Anfinson. “We are grateful to be joined by the incomparable Bryan Adams, the Hon. Minister Bethenfalvy, Mayor Ashe, and Duncan Hannay amongst so many wonderful people who have helped us arrive at this auspicious occasion. We are also proud to be honouring the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation and the essential work that they do for the community and look forward to continuing to be a welcoming and valued member of the community.”
The opening of Pickering Casino Resort is a significant milestone, and Great Canadian Entertainment’s investment in the facility adds to its commitment to Durham Region with its existing properties at Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel and Casino Ajax.
