It has been reported that Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is utilizing a 'rarely used' administrative power to call a special council meeting regarding the casino expansion issue.
A brief report by the Toronto Star explains that the move would thus see the casino issue removed from the agenda for the upcoming, regularly-scheduled May 7 - 8 City Council meetings.
An article by The Globe and Mail explains that Ford wants the special council meeting to be solely dedicated to the Toronto casino expansion issue.
The Globe and Mail article has quoted Mayor Ford as saying, “We’re just trying to find the right date right now,” and that “Some people are away, so we’re just canvassing the councillors to make sure everyone’s here for the vote.”
According to a follow-up report by the Toronto Star the meeting which will decide the issue will take place Tuesday, May 21.
On Tuesday, April 16 at Toronto City Hall, Councillors voted in support of allowing expanding gaming at Woodbine Racetrack in the form of table gaming with live dealers. The Executive Committee's vote of support came after two-day meetings into the divisive casino expansion issue came to a close.
Horse racing had made its presence felt during the first day of the meetings, as officials with the Woodbine Entertainment Group and the Central Ontario Standardbred Association addressed the committee while a pro-Woodbine-casino-expansion rally took place outside.
(With files from the Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail)