The City of Hamilton will host two public information meetings mid-January with discussions focusing on whether a casino would be welcome by residents and how to keep Flamboro Downs and the local horse racing industry operating.
The first meeting will be held on January 16 at Waterdown District High School followed by a second meeting on January 17 at Hamilton City Hall. Both sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be televised on local TV (Cable 14). The meetings will be hosted by a panel of city officials and will allow residents to comment on the issue and ask questions.
Hamilton City Council has previously voiced its support for a gaming facility at Flamboro Downs while the city planning department has identified the waterfront, King Street East, York Boulevard and Jackson Square as conceivable downtown casino locations as long as the property is associated with a hotel complex or other city-building projects.
According to a report by the Hamilton Community News, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. has set a March 1 deadline for the city to come forward as a willing host for a casino. The report also states that casino developers have been in discussion with the OLG, but none have come forward with a bid.