Mayor Rob Ford’s inner circle is again debating whether to roll the dice on a casino in Toronto, as a staff report suggests a gaming facility would bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue.
At its meeting Monday, Ford’s executive committee is deciding whether to give its approval to public consultations to find out what Torontonians think about a casino in the city.
Committee members are hearing deputations as they consider a report by city manager Joe Pennachetti, who recommends that the city hold public consultations in the coming months and report back to Ford's inner circle in February or March.
Almost 50 people signed up to speak at Monday's meeting, including Toronto resident Doug Carroll, who is opposed to casino.
Carroll said he is worried a casino will translate into a spike in problem gambling.
“I’m concerned that essentially sort of a predatory relationship is being established with respect to citizens who deserve our care and regard instead of a system set up to pick them clean in order to fund provincial needs,” Carroll told CP24 reporter Rena Heer.
Meanwhile, Pennachetti's report suggests the city would bring in millions of dollars in taxes if a gaming facility is built within city limits.
According to the report, the city could receive hosting fees of $106 million to $168 million for an integrated entertainment complex near Toronto’s waterfront, while a facility near Woodbine Racetrack could fetch up to $70 million to $120 million in hosting fees, plus $27 million per year in additional property taxes.
The city could also rake in $35 million to $250 million if a casino is situated on city-owned land, the report suggests.
Pennachetti’s report suggests a casino would generate thousands of jobs during and after construction, more than $1 billion in construction spending, and a net annual GDP of as much as $640 million, depending on the location and the size of the complex.
Critics argue a casino would result in a spike in gambling addiction and crime.
Toronto’s medical officer of health authored a report looking at the potential health impacts of a casino.
The report found that problem gambling, which affects 0.2% of the population, increases when people’s access to gambling, including a casino, increases.
Elephants on the agenda
The 13-member committee, chaired by the mayor, is also scheduled to discuss the delayed move of the Toronto Zoo’s elephants to a U.S. sanctuary.
However, that discussion is likely to be pushed back because of the casino debate.
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