Ottawa Public Health Says No to Casino
While some are pleased that it looks as if Ottawa could be getting another casino, there are others who have spoken out strongly against it.
In a report to the Ottawa Board of Health, Dr. Isra Levy said that he feels that access to gaming in the city should not be increased. This issue has arisen since the Ottawa council voted to request two gaming zones in the city in order to retain the Rideau Carleton Raceway, and make a space to add another casino.
LHIN Wants Funds to Help Gambling Problems
Dr. Levy, the head of the Ottawa health department, has said that there are around 13,000 adults that have problem gambling issues, and that he would rather see this number reduced. He explained that the resources to help these people needs to be increased, rather than creating potential additional problem gamblers.
Not only does Dr. Levy want to prevent the potential new casino, he has also recommended that an additional $2 million per year be given to help with local gambling treatment. Currently, the Champlain Local Integrated Health Network (LHIN) receives $741,000 to help those with gambling problems.
Dr. Levy said: "We expect that creating new opportunities to gamble might worsen the problem, so it's reasonable to say let's not, let's address the problem that's already there."
He further noted: "If we end up with an extended problem, we're going to be needing to invest more in supports for people who may be affected in some future way."
In addition to requesting more funds to help those with gambling problems, Dr. Levy has also suggested that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation give 6.5% of the annual commission from Ottawa in order to work towards more outreach and prevention of gambling problems.
Essentially, Dr. Levy sees no compromise and as head of the Ottawa Public Health, he says not to a new casino.
City Councillor Offers Funds but No Promises
Steve Desroches, an Ottawa city councillor, said that while he understands Dr. Levy's position, Ottawa is in need of additional revenue. He has said that some funds would go toward helping with problem gambling treatment if the new casino is given the go ahead.
He also noted that a new casino would keep gamblers in the city, rather than travelling to gamble elsewhere. He also noted that he was not surprised that the head of public health would raise his concerns against issues such as gambling, smoking, or alcohol.
There are of course those councillors that are against the new casino, such as Tim Tierney, the Beacon Hill-Cyrville councillor. He said: "I don't think there's room for gambling in the downtown area, it's going to bring a whole series of social issues."
