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Toronto casino up for debate at city hall
04/11/2012 Shawne McKeown, CityNews.ca
A proposed Toronto casino will be up for debate at city hall Wednesday where councillors are set to decide if a referendum should be held on the issue.
Last month, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced plans for a casino in the GTA. Ontario Place, which is closed for redevelopment, has been floated as a potential site.
Two motions will be up for debate Wednesday, including one put forward by Coun. Adam Vaughan that calls for a referendum on the casino issue as part of a general election.
The city held a casino referendum in 1997 and 72 per cent of residents voted against the idea. Vaughan also claims a current poll shows Torontonians’ attitudes towards a permanent gambling facility haven’t changed much.
Vaughan’s motion also highlights concern for businesses, such as bars and restaurants, that could be hurt if a casino moves into their neighbourhood.
“Crime, suicide, prostitution, an increase in drug related crimes and loan sharking are also significant worries,” Vaughan’s motion says. “All of these issues generate costs for the city that far outweigh any potential economic benefits that might flow from such business.”
Coun. Mike Layton has also put forward a motion to take Ontario Place off the list of potential casino sites and to reserve it as an area for families and recreation.
Former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader John Tory is heading up an advisory panel on Ontario Place. He’s expected to report back in early May.
“…Toronto City Council must make it known now that Ontario Place must remain a public space for all Toronto residents to enjoy and we cannot afford to have a casino or other gambling facility built on it,” Layton’s motion states.
Toronto casino up for debate at city hall
04/11/2012 Shawne McKeown, CityNews.ca
A proposed Toronto casino will be up for debate at city hall Wednesday where councillors are set to decide if a referendum should be held on the issue.
Last month, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced plans for a casino in the GTA. Ontario Place, which is closed for redevelopment, has been floated as a potential site.
Two motions will be up for debate Wednesday, including one put forward by Coun. Adam Vaughan that calls for a referendum on the casino issue as part of a general election.
The city held a casino referendum in 1997 and 72 per cent of residents voted against the idea. Vaughan also claims a current poll shows Torontonians’ attitudes towards a permanent gambling facility haven’t changed much.
Vaughan’s motion also highlights concern for businesses, such as bars and restaurants, that could be hurt if a casino moves into their neighbourhood.
“Crime, suicide, prostitution, an increase in drug related crimes and loan sharking are also significant worries,” Vaughan’s motion says. “All of these issues generate costs for the city that far outweigh any potential economic benefits that might flow from such business.”
Coun. Mike Layton has also put forward a motion to take Ontario Place off the list of potential casino sites and to reserve it as an area for families and recreation.
Former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader John Tory is heading up an advisory panel on Ontario Place. He’s expected to report back in early May.
“…Toronto City Council must make it known now that Ontario Place must remain a public space for all Toronto residents to enjoy and we cannot afford to have a casino or other gambling facility built on it,” Layton’s motion states.
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