Casino Nova Scotia relocating to Dartmouth Crossing
Casino Nova Scotia looking to become tourism anchor for Canada’s East Coast
Great Canadian and Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation have announced an agreement to relocate Casino Nova Scotia’s Halifax operations to a brand-new, purpose-built casino destination that Great Canadian will construct in the Dartmouth Crossing, creating a signature development that will redefine entertainment and economic opportunity in the region, and establish a new tourism anchor in Nova Scotia. The agreement and Great Canadian’s obligations to construct the purpose-built casino are subject to standard development and regulatory conditions.
Under the current Provincial operating contract, NSGC has the right to acquire Casino Nova Scotia’s Halifax property from Great Canadian for nominal consideration. NSGC provided Great Canadian with notice that NSGC has decided to acquire the site, with the Province intending to then sell the property to a third party for the best possible value. The Province intends to lease-back the existing facility from any third-party buyer so that Great Canadian can continue to operate the Casino Nova Scotia Halifax property in the normal course while the new Dartmouth Crossing facility is completed, which is anticipated to be in 2029.
“We recognise the Province’s strong desire to unlock the full value of the property where our Halifax operation currently sits, and we are pleased to move forward with an exciting, refreshed vision for gaming entertainment in the Nova Scotia market,” stated Matthew Anfinson, CEO, Great Canadian Entertainment. “There is much work to undertake to bring this vision to life, so it is very much ‘business as usual’ for our valued team members and guests at Casino Nova Scotia’s Halifax location. Today’s announcement marks a major milestone for Casino Nova Scotia and the Province; we are very proud to continue to invest and operate in Nova Scotia,” he concluded.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Great Canadian Entertainment for a new, modern casino in Dartmouth. Great Canadian has the expertise and track record we need to ensure the continued success of casino operations in our province,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman, acting for Treasury Board Minister John Lohr.
Great Canadian and NSGC have agreed on an extended 25-year operational term following the planned 2029 opening of the new casino in Dartmouth Crossing, subject to certain rights held by NSGC. Commencement of construction is subject to all required development and building approvals. Should the new casino not proceed for any reason, Casino Nova Scotia will continue operations under the current agreement.
In the meantime, Casino Nova Scotia’s existing waterfront site will remain fully operational with no day-to-day impact, and no interruption is expected throughout the construction of the new facility.
