As part of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s expansion, the lottery commission wants to build casinos in various parts of the province. One potential site for a casino is Hamilton, and MP Andrea Horwath believes that a referendum must be held on the topic before the OLG can make any plans.Currently, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the city of Hamilton are discussing the issue of bringing a casino. Horwath states that the negotiations are going on behind closed doors, and suggests that the general public get involved in the process. As such, a referendum would be ideal.
“A transparent process, including a citywide referendum, is the best way forward”, says Horwath. “It’s the very least the people of Hamilton deserve.”
This would give residents of Hamilton the chance to vote on the idea of bringing a new casino to the city. As expected, opinions on the issue are varied, with some residents supporting the idea and others concerned about the social implications. Problem gambling continues to be an issue, and residents would like to be confident that a new gambling venue would not boost these rates.
Meanwhile, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford continues to push the idea of bringing a casino into the downtown core. He has spoken with Las Vegas Sands’ CEO Sheldon Adelson about the project, but local councillors continue to need convincing.
