Cascades Casino Innisfil expected to open in fall 2027 near Cookstown

The new Cascades Casino Innisfil now has an expected opening date: fall 2027. The complex is being built at 239 Reive Boulevard, near Cookstown, right next to Highway 400, on the site of the former Innisfil Creek golf course, which closed in 2024.

What the new complex will have

The main building will be about 140,000 square feet, with a larger gaming floor than the current casino, more slot machines and live table games, including poker. The Gateway Casinos project also includes:

• a seven-storey hotel;
• three of the chain's restaurant brands, such as Chow Lucky Noodle Bar, MATCH Eatery and Atlas Steak + Fish.

What happens to the Georgian Downs casino

The new location will replace the current Gateway Casinos Innisfil at the Georgian Downs racetrack on 5th Sideroad, about 10 kilometres north. The move was approved by the Town of Innisfil and by OLG, Ontario's lottery and gaming corporation, and the province issued a zoning order to allow the project. Construction began in 2025.

Jobs and the local economy

For the newcomer community, the main interest is work. A complex this size needs teams in many areas, and hiring usually starts a few months before opening. Watch for jobs such as:

• customer service, cashier and hotel front desk;
• kitchen, servers, bar and housekeeping;
• security, maintenance and parking;
• dealers and gaming supervisors, which require specific training.

Many casino jobs in Ontario require registration with the AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario), which includes a background check. Anyone serving alcohol needs Smart Serve certification, done online. Having these ready helps you get ahead when jobs open.

How to hear about jobs

Follow the Gateway Casinos careers page and popular Canadian job sites such as Indeed and Job Bank. Free employment centres in the region, part of Employment Ontario, can also help you write a Canadian-style resume and prepare for interviews.

Traffic in the area

With construction and, later, casino traffic, congestion near the Highway 89 exit and Cookstown is likely to increase. If you drive through daily on your way to Barrie, Bradford or Tanger Outlets, plan for possible detours during construction. The Town of Innisfil posts construction and traffic notices at innisfil.ca, and the 511 Ontario app shows real-time highway conditions.

A word on responsible gambling

Casinos are entertainment, not a source of income. If you or someone in your family is losing control with gambling, ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600) offers free, confidential help 24/7, including interpreters.

Have a business that can serve this new activity in the area? List your business for free.

Source: BarrieToday and blogTO.