McGhie Report Released
The $100-million casino being built on the Halifax waterfront is the right move for Nova Scotia. That's the conclusion of the McGhie report released today by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation.
"The McGhie report was part of the information and experience gathered to enable the corporation to move forward with a clearer, better plan for a new casino," said corporation vice-chair Dara Gordon.
The McGhie report is an evaluation of ITT Sheraton's August 1996 proposal to build a smaller, hotel casino rather than a large waterfront complex. The corporation commissioned McGhie Consulting of Reno, Nevada in September 1996 for an independent evaluation of Sheraton's proposal.
"We felt it was important to have all the facts before moving forward," said Ms. Gordon.
In the 1996 report, McGhie Consulting concluded that "Nova Scotia should require ITT Sheraton to proceed with its original plan for the permanent casino." The report noted that the larger casino could meet original expectations and generate revenue that would more than offset construction expenses.
The planned casino includes many amenities such as board walks, restaurants, an entertainment centre and parking garage. The report found that "amenities would cause a well-run permanent casino to out-perform the alternative casino." It also noted that building on the chosen site would "enhance the waterfront" and provide incentive for development.
Based on the McGhie report, the corporation and Sheraton had further discussions, and Sheraton proceeded with a stand-alone casino on the waterfront. Work began on Feb. 1, 1998, with completion slated for September 1999. Armour stonework has been completed, and piling work is now under way.
The construction project is expected to generate 240 full-time construction jobs and 340 spinoff jobs. Upon completion, the new casino will employ about 785 workers --almost 350 more than the current operation. Other benefits include more revenue for key programs, further development along the waterfront and a world-class tourist attraction for Halifax.
"We will ensure that Nova Scotia sees maximum benefits from the new casino," said Ms. Gordon. "We're on target and making good progress."
The report also noted that the casino must attract more high-end players, as well as customers from outside the province. It indicated that Halifax has the potential to differentiate itself from other gaming destinations. "Halifax is not Las Vegas. Halifax has attributes that Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City do not have -- it is clean, safe, friendly, and small but sophisticated."
The corporation released the McGhie report in keeping with recommendations from the province's freedom of information review officer, who recommended the disclosure of an edited report. The corporation also included several additional portions to help the public with their review.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Copies of the McGhie report are available by calling the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation at 902-424-2203.