OLG Boss Blasted for Toronto Casino Comment
The controversy surrounding the construction of a new casino in downtown Toronto heated up even more on the weekend over "careless" comments made by the chairman of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming corporation, Paul Godfrey.
Addressing a business crowed at the National Club last week, Godfrey said about the construction of the casino: "You see the polls that are taken that ask people: 'Are you opposed to a casino in your neighbourhood?' like one newspaper did. And a lot of people say, 'No, not in my neighbourhood.' And I gotta tell you, I wouldn't want it in my neighbourhood, but at the same time you're not putting it in a residential area."
Opponents to the Toronto casino pounced on Godfrey's comments, "I wouldn't want it in my neighbourhood" and slammed the OLG chairman for what they perceive as double standards.
Councilors Cash in on Comments
Councillor Adam Vaughan, among the most vocal opponents of the Toronto casino, didn't hesitate in cashing in on the OLG boss casino comment.
In a letter sent to Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, Vaughan said that Godfrey made a "stupid comment".
Speaking about the "hundreds of thousands" of people who live in the downtown area of Toronto, Vaughan said that "these communities deserve not only to be recognized by your government and its appointees, but their rights and quality of life deserve the same consideration as Mr. Godfrey's neighbors and friends."
"Perhaps on the other hand, Mr. Godfrey is right," wrote Vaughan. "Residential neighborhoods are not appropriate places for casinos and expanded gambling. If that is true, then please make sure no casino is built downtown."
OLG Responds to Criticism
Paul Godfrey was quick to react on the criticism directed towards him and the OLG regarding his comments.
"Perhaps my definition of a residential neighbourhood is different," said Godfrey in a statement. "I wouldn't put a sports stadium like the ACC in the middle of homes in Swansea or strike up a sky scraping hotel on the Danforth. But those things fit well in a vibrant downtown and are accepted by the people that choose to live there."
"We at OLG believe the same can be said of a major gaming entertainment center that could boost tourism, benefit businesses and generate revenue for the city and the province," he added.
Toronto is set to hold its first public meeting on the Toronto casino this week.
