UtakataNoAnnex
Senior Member
...it's a fascinating look at a bygone world where people never go anywhere without their cars, for sure.
- Thread starter ChesterCopperpot
- Start date
SubHuman
Active Member
Looking at a map, it is within what could be walking distance ("as the crow flies") of the Ajax GO station. The problem is of course there is no such walking route, and also no shuttle bus or good public transit route for getting there. I went there once last year on my own and had to use local Durham Transit Route 917 bus and walk there from Bayly Street. There is a dirt pathway along the east side of Church Street, but there is no lighting and it's very dark and deserted at night, and I'm guessing I may have been the only person to ever do this.
I'd say it might be a good idea to urge them to consider having some way to encourage non-drivers to get there, but I think at best the suggestion would be ignored, if not provoking some subtly hostile reaction towards the preposterous notion of people using something other than private vehicles.
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Coolibop
Active Member
Looks like they will try to get a driving range (page 36) in the area since the film studios were located on Sandy Beach road. Casino lands are directly northeast, Porche experience to the east:
lenaitch
Senior Member
Urban driving ranges are typically placeholders to help pay the taxes until the landowner can get the approval for what they really want to do with the land.
FutureDurham
Active Member
The plan after tribos studio moved was to have a launch pad golf course, I don’t think this is as placeholder. I don’t believe they’re planning to build a film studio on site anymore.
vidakral
New Member
Just compared an earlier photo to how the site looks today. The tower remains sharp and clean-lined, but the area around it is slowly waking up. A few trees have gone in, some basic landscaping elements, but overall it still feels pretty sparse more like a civic facility than a destination. What’s interesting though, based on some feedback I’ve heard, is that the casino has definitely brought in more weekend traffic, which sounds great on paper. But at the same time, a few local businesses have mentioned they’re feeling the squeeze from the food options inside the resort. It’s that odd dynamic where a massive project stimulates the economy while also quietly edging some of it out. I wonder if planning teams ever factor that tension in when greenlighting these kinds of developments.
vidakral
New Member
It’s honestly surprising that a resort casino of this size didn’t plan for proper pedestrian or transit access from the start, especially considering how much it promotes itself as a regional entertainment destination. The inside of the casino is polished and modern, clearly designed to handle big weekend crowds. But from the outside, it still feels isolated unless you're arriving by car. They've invested in a hotel, live shows, and multiple restaurants, yet there's no comfortable way for someone without a vehicle to get there. If the goal is to make this a long-term entertainment hub, better connectivity really needs to be part of the picture.Looking at a map, it is within what could be walking distance ("as the crow flies") of the Ajax GO station. The problem is of course there is no such walking route, and also no shuttle bus or good public transit route for getting there. I went there once last year on my own and had to use local Durham Transit Route 917 bus and walk there from Bayly Street. There is a dirt pathway along the east side of Church Street, but there is no lighting and it's very dark and deserted at night, and I'm guessing I may have been the only person to ever do this.
I'd say it might be a good idea to urge them to consider having some way to encourage non-drivers to get there, but I think at best the suggestion would be ignored, if not provoking some subtly hostile reaction towards the preposterous notion of people using something other than private vehicles.
It really is tough for anyone without a car to get there. Even with the best intentions to visit the casino, I usually just end up playing on online platforms instead. I like having something I can hop into during downtime, without worrying about how to get there or back. Honestly, I’d rather not be tied to one physical spot just to enjoy a few games — especially when online options here in Canada are so well developed. I’ve tried River Belle a couple of times just because it was familiar and easy to get into. It does the job when I feel like playing something quick without setting up too much. If you also enjoy playing from time to time, you can take a look at https://casinosfest.com/online-casino/river-belle-casino/, which includes reviews of River Belle Casino and covers the basics that might be useful for Canadian players. I’ve actually gotten into the habit of checking sites like that before trying any new platform, just to have a better idea of what to expect and avoid any surprises. The reviews help give a clearer picture of how things like payouts, and game variety are handled. Honestly, I find playing online way more convenient than trying to get to a physical casino. You still get the same kind of excitement from the games, just without all the travel and hassle.
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SubHuman
Active Member
I went there for the second time recently, and there's been slight improvements over two years. Almost all of the pathway along the east side of Church St was recently paved (no idea why they left a small gap of about 12 ft as dirt), and there were more permanent traffic signals for a pedestrian crossing being installed at the casino resort. But that pathway is still unlit and dark at night, with you having to shield your eyes from the oncoming car headlights to hopefully avoid tripping or stepping in goose turds.
After exiting the entertainment centre into the lobby, they now let you leave through the nearby side doors instead of forcing everyone to walk through the gaming area. And I don't remember that 'District' food hall being there last time.
The large industrial/trucking centre complex on the east side of the road seems to have been entirely built and finished in that two years.
I was again the only passenger on the local Durham bus back to the GO station, and I think there were 2 or 3 others exiting before me on the way there before sunset.
After exiting the entertainment centre into the lobby, they now let you leave through the nearby side doors instead of forcing everyone to walk through the gaming area. And I don't remember that 'District' food hall being there last time.
The large industrial/trucking centre complex on the east side of the road seems to have been entirely built and finished in that two years.
I was again the only passenger on the local Durham bus back to the GO station, and I think there were 2 or 3 others exiting before me on the way there before sunset.
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