Cathy Dobson
The Village of Point Edward has lost $6,000 to $7,000 a day since the Starlight Casino was closed by the COVID-19 outbreak in mid-March.
As the host municipality, Point Edward has used its share of casino revenue to upgrade everything from a fire hall and sewers to the waterfront park and sewage plant.
Last year the casino generated $2.4 million for the village, and this year’s $2.65-million capital budget set in February is based almost entirely on getting $6,000 per day from the casino, said village administrator Jim Burns.
“We’ve put the brakes on all capital work, although some will eventually need to proceed,” he said.
Village council hopes to set its 2020 operating budget via teleconference this month.
Another $55,000 or more in revenue will be lost if the Point Edward arena doesn’t reopen until June 1 for the lacrosse and ball hockey season, Burns added.
None of the village’s 20 employees have been laid off yet but that may be coming, he added.
The Gateway Casino in Sarnia at Hiawatha Horse Park also closed in mid-March to comply with the emergency orders.