Item - 2013.HL21.4
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by City Council on May 21, 2013 and was not adopted.
- This item was considered by the Board of Health on April 29, 2013 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on May 21, 2013.
- See also EX30.1 - New Casino and Convention Development in Toronto
- See also HL18.1 - The Health Impacts of Gambling Expansion in Toronto
HL21.4 - Gambling Expansion in Toronto - Update
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Not Adopted
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
At City Council on May 21, 2013, Item HL21.4 was ruled redundant due to City Council's adoption of Item EX30.1, as amended.
Background Information (Board)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-57699.pdf
(April 10, 2013) Attachment 1: Letter from the Medical Officer of Health to Executive Committee, previously considered considered by Executive Committee as EX30.1.73
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-57700.pdf
Rulings (City Council)
HL21.4 - Gambling Expansion in Toronto - Update
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Board Recommendations
The Board of Health recommends that:
1. If it consents to expansion of gambling in Toronto, City Council make the implementation of the harm mitigation measures set out in the letter of April 10, 2013 from the Medical Officer of Health, addressed to the Executive Committee (Item EX30.1.73), a condition of its approval.
Decision Advice and Other Information
The Board of Health:
1. Reiterated its recommendation to City Council that based on health evidence pointing to health risks associated with gambling, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) not be invited to expand gambling in the City of Toronto. (see HL18.1)
Origin
Summary
The City Manager released a report, New Casino and Convention Development in Toronto, on April 8, 2013 for consideration by the Executive Committee at its meeting of April 15 and 16th, 2013. The report included recommendations for options and conditions that City Council may consider should they decide to consent to a new or expanded casino in Toronto. One recommended condition is that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and casino operator(s) "review and consider" the harm mitigation measures in the Medical Officer of Health's (MOH) report.
This report to the Board of Health (BOH) is to inform Board members that the MOH sent a letter to the Executive Committee based on the Board's position which noted that the establishment of a downtown casino and the expansion of gambling at Woodbine, both raise concerns of increased problem gambling and related adverse health impacts. Further, the MOH reaffirmed that, should City Council consent to host a new or expanded casino in Toronto, it is appropriate to make approval contingent on measures to mitigate harm. The MOH recommended therefore that the wording of a condition in the City Manager's report related to harm mitigation measures be strengthened such that the OLG and casino operator(s) be "required to work with the Toronto Medical Officer of Health to implement harm mitigation measures". Executive Committee did not adopt the MOH’s recommendation. The MOH recommends that the BOH endorse this recommendation.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-57699.pdf
(April 10, 2013) Attachment 1: Letter from the Medical Officer of Health to Executive Committee, previously considered considered by Executive Committee as EX30.1.73
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-57700.pdf