New Hamilton Casino in the Pipeline
Speculation is growing that Hamilton may be targeted by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) as a potential destination for the construction of a new casino.
The city's Director of Economic Planning, Tim McCabe, said that he had been involved in "absolutely confidential" discussions regarding the new Hamilton City casino plans
"I have had some discussions through a third party, and there is some interest in Hamilton," he admitted.
This is not there first time that city staff have got wind of such plans, which is why Councillor Sam Merulla came forward with a motion to put a moratorium on the construction of any new gambling location in Hamilton, at least until 2014, when the public will get to vote in a referendum ahead of municipal elections.
Through the scant information provided by McCabe, it is unclear whether the new casino would replace the existing Flamboro Downs or whether it would exist together with it in Hamilton's gambling industry.
Hamilton council prefers that Flamboro Downs does not close down.
Potential of Millions from Hamilton Casino
Despite opposition from city council members to a new Hamilton casino, Tim McCabe said that if Merulla's proposal for a moratorium was passed, the city would be missing out on a grand opportunity to enjoy millions of dollars worth of investment in a new gaming facility.
Merulla said that the construction of a new casino in Hamilton had the potential to be as contentious as the Pan Am stadium debate. He was referring to the ongoing debate regarding the construction of a new stadium in time for Hamilton to host the soccer and cycling events of the 2015 Pan Am games.
At present, city councillors are divided over whether to vote for the moratorium or not.
OLG Plans Casino Modernization Process
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has made no secret that it views Hamilton as a potential location of new casino facility as part of its plans to modernize the province's gambling establishments to make them more profitable.
However, Councillor Judi Partridge said that council's role was "not to roll over or chase an elusive carrot". She also had harsh words to say about the OLG and stressed that Hamilton had "a chance to say no, and to be in the driver's seat".
The OLG has stated that it will not force any city to accept its ideas of a new casino in their jurisdiction, and the final decision would be left up to council and the residents.
