OHRIA Supports Referendums On OLG Gaming Expansion

The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association applauds MPP Monte McNaughton’s private members bill, introduced in the Legislature on Thursday April 26, 2012 that would require local referendums prior to allowing new gaming facilities to be constructed

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“We believe this bill is an important step and one that will ensure, just as the OLG Slots at Racetracks Program has done in the past, that only communities that support OLG gaming facilities will host them,” said Sue Leslie, President of the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association.

Both the NDP and PC have spoken in favour of referendums prior to the approval of new gaming facilities, and OHRIA hopes that both parties will unite to push this bill through the legislature prior to the spring recess.

“The Slots at Racetracks Program is a $1.1 billion profit generator for the government of Ontario that was created as a result of wide spread opposition to hosting gaming facilities. The seventeen tracks proved to be willing hosts, in willing communities and the government has reaped the benefit ever since,” said Leslie.

MPP McNaughton’s bill will be voted on at second reading on May 3, 2012 and if passed at that stage referred to committee for further consideration. New Democrats or Liberal MPPs support will be required to pass the bill.

A release from McNaughton's office appears below.

McNaughton: Vital to Have Local Input on New Casino Development
Introduces Ensuring Local Voices in New Casino Gambling Development Act, 2012

(QUEEN’S PARK, ON) – Today new MPP Monte McNaughton introduced his first piece of private members business; a bill entitled ENSURING LOCAL VOICES IN NEW CASINO GAMBLING DEVELOPMENT ACT, 2012. MPP McNaughton’s Bill will require a mandatory municipal referendum before new casino expansion is allowed to move forward.

“We have heard from residents throughout Ontario that they would like to have a direct voice as to the potential development of new casinos in their community,” said McNaughton. “This bill legislates a mandatory municipal referendum before any new casino development can occur.”

With recent plans to modernize the OLG announced, it is widely expected that there will be additional casino site development proposed throughout Ontario. Further casino development provides great opportunity but it also raises great debate amongst portions of the population.

“As a former three-term municipal councillor, I believe strongly in working with our municipal and local partners. This bill will ensure that local communities are willing partners and hosts for new casino development.”

“It has long been our Party’s position to ensure local decision making before casinos move forward and we believe that collectively, local communities and residents are best suited to make important decisions on issues like these,” said McNaughton.