City of Greater Sudbury officials recognized the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation on Wednesday for community enhancement project funding during a cheque presentation at the South End Library Branch.

The city received $2.2 million for the April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017, fiscal year from revenues generated by the OLG Slots at Sudbury Downs.

The dispersal of such money is not unusual and is normally announced by a news release. However, officials with the city and OLG held a press conference yesterday to make the announcement.

"I want to thank the OLG for your continued support in the community," Mayor Brian Bigger said in a release. "The tens of millions of dollars contributed to our community over the years has been helping our community grow and bettering our quality of life for residents for years to come."

Annual contributions from OLG are used for capital projects, the city said, such as the Gutcher Street water main project, replacement of the Adanac Ski Hill lift and replacement of the Nickel District Pool roof.

"OLG is proud to be a vital part of Greater Sudbury for more than 18 years and we look forward to continuing to build on that support," Marcelline Riddell, senior manager of municipal and community relations for the corporation, said in a prepared statement. "Each and every year, 100 per cent of OLG proceeds are invested in Ontario.

"From health care to education to community festivals, OLG funds are hard at work in Greater Sudbury and all across the province. We value the contribution of gaming site employees in making life here that much richer."

OLG’s community enhancement project funding payments are made under the Municipality Contribution Agreement, which determines the funds municipalities receive for hosting an OLG gaming facility.

OLG has plans to replace the slots with a $60-million casino to be located at the so-called Kingsway Entertainment District, which would also house a new, $100-million arena/events centre.

Members of the city’s planning committee will hear rezoning applications for the controversial projects next week. Some critics oppose the expansion of gaming in Sudbury, others want the arena/events centre to be built downtown and still others oppose both projects.

Those critics have also said they plan to challenge the rezonings if they are approved by city council by appealing to the Ontario Municipal Board.

sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca