The mayors of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands and the Town of Gananoque are applauding the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP)’s recent effort to slow down the OLG “modernization” process.
On Monday, March 18, Essex MPP Taras Natyshak tabled a motion in the provincial Legislature calling for the suspension the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)’s expansion initiatives until after the 2014 municipal elections, in order to allow for referendums.
Municipalities wishing to be considered for a casino would be able to put a casino referendum question on the ballot, to ensure that casinos are built only where local residents want them.
For a decade, the Casino Thousand Islands has been a vital part of these communities. The casino’s success is due, in large part, to the fact that both the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands and the Town of Gananoque held referendums asking residents if they wanted a casino, which was met with a resounding “yes.” Before the first shovel hit the ground, the Casino Thousand Islands had the support of the people who call the area home.
The Casino Thousand Islands is now being threatened by the possibility of a new casino development in Kingston.
In October 2012, Kingston City Council voted in favour of expressing interest in hosting a casino, and on March 5, 2013, the Council voted against holding a referendum – they voted against letting their residents have a voice even after they knew that 60 per cent of those residents do not want a casino in Kingston. Further, 78 per cent of Kingston residents want their voices heard through a referendum.
The mayors of the municipalities that host the Casino Thousand Islands believe that Natyshak’s motion will assist in bipartisan efforts to save their threatened gaming facility.
“I commend MPP Natyshak,” said Frank Kinsella, mayor of The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands. “His efforts in the Legislature will help protect rural municipalities such as ours.” Erika Demchuk, mayor of the Town of Gananoque, added: “We call on all MPPs to support this motion and to halt the so-called modernization process.”
Casino Thousand Islands is the second highest performing casino without a racetrack. It is the second largest employer in the region, employing over 400 local residents. Each year, both municipalities receive a combined $3.2 million in hosting fees. This revenue helps to fund roads, bridges, libraries, medical centres, hospital foundations and playgrounds, among many other important infrastructure projects.
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Media Release source: Corporation of the Town of Gananoque | Image: Google maps
