Item - 2012.EX20.15
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Executive Committee on May 14, 2012. The Executive Committee has referred this item to an official or other body without making a decision. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.
EX20.15 - No Casino without a Referendum - Motion MM22.2 referred by City Council on April 10 and 11, 2012
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Referred
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Executive Committee:
1. referred the item to the City Manager, with the request that he consult with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), and any necessary provincial officials on their ongoing process for the selection of future casino locations in the Greater Toronto Area, and report back to Executive Committee at its October 9, 2012 meeting on the provincial process and the pros and cons of hosting a commercial casino in Toronto, the report to specifically include comment on the following.
a. an overview of existing gaming facilities and activities in Toronto.
b. An explanation of the current provincial and OLG process to select a location(s) and operator(s) for one or more potential new casino(s), or integrated resort entertainment complex(es) that include gaming, in the Greater Toronto Area.
c. The approximate number and types of jobs, including approximate income levels, that could be created by a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, including:
i. Temporary and/or construction jobs.
ii. Permanent jobs
iii. Impact, if any, a new gaming operation may have on existing gaming-related and other jobs in Toronto.
d. The approximate amount of revenue the city could receive as a result of a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, operating in Toronto, by:
i. Provincial hosting fees,
ii. Property taxes on the casino and associated businesses/properties,
iii. Rent, lease or other income from city-owned lands if used for casino purposes,
iv. Equity returns if city lands are used as an equity contribution to a private project, and
v. Other revenue opportunities, including those that may be negotiated with the Provincial Government and/or OLG, and any potential casino operators, including funding to repair and maintain Toronto Community Housing Corporation Buildings, and support for subsidized day care.
e. Comparison of potential revenue to the City if a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, were:
i. Located on private land within Toronto,
ii. Located on City-owned land within Toronto,
iii. Located on provincially-owned or federally-owned land within Toronto, or
iv. Located outside Toronto.
f. Identification of potential city-owned lands suitable for a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming.
g. Other ways to maximize the city's potential revenues arising from a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, in Toronto.
h. The impact of a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, on Toronto's ability to attract tourists and convention/conference business.
i. The experience other cities and communities have had when introducing a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, including the impact on:
i. pre-existing businesses,
ii. neighbourhoods,
iii. social services,
iv. crime rates, and
v. employment.
j. The potential social impact to individuals and families due to gambling-related addictive behaviour and crime, and options to mitigate the human and social impact, including information about problem gaming programs within Canada and currently offered by the OLG.
k. Incremental costs associated with a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, within the city including police, fire and emergency medical services costs.
l. Land use, physical planning, infrastructure (including transportation) and other matters associated with development of a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, within the city.
m. Options to mitigate the City's costs associated with the issues identified in 1j., 1k., and 1l. above
n. How the potential revenue and social impacts differ whether a new casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, is located within the City of Toronto compared to the same operation located just outside the city boundary in an adjacent municipality.
o. History of past decisions of Council or public consultation with regard to a casino in Toronto and the current relevance of those decisions/consultations, and an appropriate process for additional public consultations, if required.
p. Opportunities to host a temporary casino on city-owned land in Toronto, including steps required to create jobs and begin earning revenue from such an arrangement.
2. requested the City Solicitor, in consultation with the City Manager, to report to the Executive Committee on October 9, 2012, on the appropriateness of, and any ways and means, to facilitate a ban on lobbying by the gambling industry, casino organizations and agencies that regulate gaming.
Decision Advice and Other Information
The Executive Committee considered Items EX20.15 and EX.20.16 together.
Origin
Summary
In 1997, 72 percent of Torontonians who voted in a city-wide referendum on whether to allow a casino or permanent gaming facility in the City voted NO to casinos. This referendum provides a clear indication that the residents of Toronto do not want a casino or permanent gambling facility constructed in this city. A recent poll confirmed these results with almost the same number of respondents rejecting such a proposal.
Opposition to casinos can take many forms. The impact on local business, in particular bars and restaurants close to a location, the sterilizing impact a large facility has on urban environments, the large amount of parking required and the limited municipal powers of planning related to these facilities are of significant concern.
There are also social and policing concerns on top of public health concerns. Crime, suicide, prostitution, an increase in drug related crimes and loan sharking are also significant worries. All of these issues generate costs for the city that far outweigh any potential economic benefits that might flow from such business.
(Submitted to City Council on April 10 and 11, 2012 as MM22.2)
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-46588.pdf
Communications
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ex/comm/communicationfile-29803.pdf
(April 18, 2012) E-mail from Louis Pahis (EX.Main.EX20.15.2)
(April 15, 2012) E-mail from Marc Petruccelli, President, Dom Sports (EX.Main.EX20.15.3)
(April 28, 2012) E-mail from Rene Hunderup, CEO, Norse Ridge Farms (EX.Main.EX20.15.4)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ex/comm/communicationfile-29893.pdf
(April 27, 2012) E-mail from Andrew Faria (EX.Main.EX20.15.5)
(May 1, 2012) E-mail from Michael Eves (EX.Main.EX20.15.6)
(April 27, 2012) Multiple Communications from 477 individuals submitted to the Executive Committee (EX.Main.EX20.15.7)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ex/comm/communicationfile-29903.pdf
(April 10, 2012) E-mail from Randy Witten (EX.Supp.EX20.15.8)
(May 4, 2012) Letter from Lena Wong, President, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (EX.Supp.EX20.15.9)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ex/comm/communicationfile-29948.pdf
(May 8, 2012) Letter from Suzan Hall (EX.Supp.EX20.15.10)
(April 13, 2012) E-mail from Mary Ann Lundy (EX.New.EX20.15.11)
(May 2, 2012) Letter from Theodore F. Burnett, Barristers and Solicitors (EX.New.EX20.15.12)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ex/comm/communicationfile-30042.pdf
(May 10, 2012) Letter from Carm Bozzo, Development Manager, Halton Women's Place (EX.New.EX20.15.13)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ex/comm/communicationfile-30043.pdf
(May 14, 2012) Submission from Rob Simpson (EX.New.EX20.15.14)
(May 10, 2012) Letter from Kristin Thomas, Senior Development Officer, Daily Bread Food Bank (EX.New.EX20.15.15)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ex/comm/communicationfile-30054.pdf
(May 11, 2012) Letter from Jill Cunningham (EX.New.EX20.15.16)
(May 11, 2012) Letter from Chaplain Shawn Kennedy (EX.New.EX20.15.17)
(May 10, 2012) Letter from Kay Blair, Executive Director, Community MicroSkills Development Centre (EX.New.EX20.15.18)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ex/comm/communicationfile-30057.pdf
(May 10, 2012) Letter from Ken Mayhew, President and CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation (EX.New.EX20.15.19)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ex/comm/communicationfile-30059.pdf
(May 11, 2012) Letter from Nina Littman-Sharp (EX.New.EX20.15.20)
(May 14, 2012) Letter from Jason Applebaum (EX.New.EX20.15.21)
(May 14, 2012) Letter from Rod Phillips with attachment, President and CEO, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Board (EX.New.EX20.15.22)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ex/comm/communicationfile-30044.pdf
(May 14, 2012) Submission from Kevin Stolarick (EX.New.EX20.15.23)
(May 14, 2012) Submission from MGM Resorts International titled "An Astonishing World" MGM Resorts International, submitted by Alan Feldman, Senior VP, Public Affairs and Ed Bowers, Senior VP, Global Gaming Development, on file in the City Clerk's office (EX.New.EX20.15.24)
Speakers
Rob Simpson, Consultant, Sagewood Resources
Kevin Stolarick
Warren Singer
Melissa Johnston
Bill Rutsey and Paul Burns, Canadian Gaming Association
Jason Applebaum
Victoria Pappas, Chairperson, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society
Stacie Roberts, Executive Assistant, The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA)
Dr. Nigel Turner, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Alan Feldman, Senior VP Public Affairs and Ed Bowers, Senior VP, Global Gaming Development, MGM Resorts International
Paul Schmalz, PCL Constructors
John Mandarino, Labourers' International Union of North America (LIUNA)
Councillor Adam Vaughan
Councillor Mike Layton
Councillor Mary Fragedakis
Councillor Janet Davis
Councillor Shelley Carroll
Councillor Vincent Crisanti
Councillor Joe Mihevc
Motions
1. That the item be referred to the City Manager, with the request that he consult with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), and any necessary provincial officials on their ongoing process for the selection of future casino locations in the Greater Toronto Area, and report back to Executive Committee at its October 9, 2012 meeting on the provincial process and the pros and cons of hosting a commercial casino in Toronto, the report to specifically include comment on the following.
a. an overview of existing gaming facilities and activities in Toronto.
b. An explanation of the current provincial and OLG process to select a location(s) and operator(s) for one or more potential new casino(s), or integrated resort entertainment complex(es) that include gaming, in the Greater Toronto Area.
c. The approximate number and types of jobs, including approximate income levels, that could be created by a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, including:
i. Temporary and/or construction jobs.
ii. Permanent jobs
iii. Impact, if any, a new gaming operation may have on existing gaming-related and other jobs in Toronto.
d. The approximate amount of revenue the city could receive as a result of a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, operating in Toronto, by:
i. Provincial hosting fees,
ii. Property taxes on the casino and associated businesses/properties,
iii. Rent, lease or other income from city-owned lands if used for casino purposes,
iv. Equity returns if city lands are used as an equity contribution to a private project, and
v. Other revenue opportunities.
e. Comparison of potential revenue to the City if a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, were:
i. Located on private land within Toronto,
ii. Located on City-owned land within Toronto,
iii. Located on provincially-owned or federally-owned land within Toronto, or
iv. Located outside Toronto.
f. Identification of potential city-owned lands suitable for a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming.
g. Other ways to maximize the city's potential revenues arising from a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, in Toronto.
h. The impact of a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, on Toronto's ability to attract tourists and convention/conference business.
i. The experience other cities and communities have had when introducing a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, including the impact on:
i. pre-existing businesses,
ii. neighbourhoods,
iii. social services,
iv. crime rates, and
v. employment.
j. The potential social impact to individuals and families due to gambling-related addictive behaviour and crime, and options to mitigate the human and social impact, including information about problem gaming programs within Canada and currently offered by the OLG.
k. Incremental costs associated with a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, within the city including police, fire and emergency medical services costs.
l. Land use, physical planning, infrastructure (including transportation) and other matters associated with development of a casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, within the city.
m. Options to mitigate the City's costs associated with the issues identified in 1j., 1k., and 1l. above
n. How the potential revenue and social impacts differ whether a new casino, or integrated resort entertainment complex that includes gaming, is located within the City of Toronto compared to the same operation located just outside the city boundary in an adjacent municipality.
o. History of past decisions of Council or public consultation with regard to a casino in Toronto and the current relevance of those decisions/consultations, and an appropriate process for additional public consultations, if required.
p. Opportunities to host a temporary casino on city-owned land in Toronto, including steps required to create jobs and begin earning revenue from such an arrangement.
Vote (Refer Item) May-14-2012
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - Motion 1 by Mayor Ford, as amended by Motion 2 by Councillor Shiner |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 11 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Michelle Berardinetti, Mike Del Grande, Rob Ford (Chair), Doug Holyday, Norman Kelly, Giorgio Mammoliti, Peter Milczyn, Cesar Palacio, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner |
| Total members that voted No: 1 | Members that voted No are Denzil Minnan-Wong |
| Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Michael Thompson |
That Motion 1 by Mayor Ford be amended by adding to Part 1.d.v.:
"including those that may be negotiated with the Provincial Government and/or the OLG, and any potential casino operators, including funding to repair and maintain Toronto Community Housing Corporation Buildings and support for subsidized daycare.", so that Part1.d.v. now reads:
v. Other revenue opportunities, including those that may be negotiated with the Provincial Government and/or the OLG, and any potential casino operators, including funding to repair and maintain Toronto Community Housing Corporation Buildings and support for subsidized daycare.
That Motion 1 by Mayor Ford be amended by adding a new Part 2 to read:
"2. That the City Solicitor, in consultation with the City Manager, report to the Executive Committee on October 9, 2012, on the appropriateness of, and any ways and means, to facilitate a ban on lobbying by the gambling industry, casino organizations and agencies that regulate gaming."