A proposal for the construction of a 30,000-square-foot casino, entertainment center, and hotel on the north side of Fredericton, near the St. Mary’s First Nation, also known as Sitansisk, has been put forward. The Wolastoq River Resort Casino is planned to be developed in three phases, with an estimated total cost of $170 million, as stated by Sitansisk Chief Allan Polchies.
Chief Polchies expressed that the project aims to provide job opportunities for the community and have a positive economic impact on both Sitansisk St. Mary’s and the city of Fredericton. The casino, estimated to require an $80 million investment, is slated to be the first phase, followed by an event space accommodating up to 1,000 guests, and a 100-room hotel. The development would span two city blocks along Union Street, with a pedestrian walkway over Cliffe Street connecting the two structures.
Although a significant undertaking, the project is still in its early stages, according to City of Fredericton spokesperson Shasta Stairs. There have been no decisions made regarding zoning, engineering, or the acquisition of city-owned land required for the development. Chief Polchies has outlined a timeline that includes breaking ground next spring and completing all construction phases by 2030.
A news release from Sitansisk revealed that the same partners involved in the existing Wolastoq Casino have agreed to construct, manage, and operate the new Wolastoq River Resort Casino. However, the specific investors have not been disclosed. Chief Polchies emphasized the need for substantial financial backing for a project of this magnitude and stressed the importance of securing funding before proceeding with the development.
Despite differing opinions within the community, Chief Polchies asserted that the majority of the residents support the project, considering it a beneficial initiative that will have long-lasting positive effects for future generations. He highlighted the success of the current Wolastoq Casino, located within the St. Mary’s Entertainment Centre, as evidence of the demand for an expanded facility. Once the new casino is operational, there are plans to repurpose the existing space in the St. Mary’s Entertainment Centre to cater to the needs of seniors or youth.
Image captions:
1. A rendering of the proposed Wolastoq River Resort Casino shared by the First Nation on social media.
2. The Wolastoq Casino at the St. Mary’s Entertainment Centre, which opened in July 2025.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/sitansisk-casino-fredericton-north-side-9.7328565)