Ottawa Committee Backs RCR As Only Gaming Location

The Ottawa Business Journal has reported that during its meeting on Monday, August 26, Ottawa City Council's Finance and Economic Development Committee voted in support of making the Rideau Carleton Raceway the only location in the Ottawa area that gaming expansion will be accepted.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson commented on the decision, stating, “We have a longstanding relationship with them (Rideau Carleton Raceway), we have the zoning in place.

Mayor Watson added, "I think the jury was out in terms of support for going into another location," and, "The RCR had strong support around the council table and that’s the direction that council’s going.”

Earlier in the day, the CBC reported that the City of Ottawa's request for two separate gaming zones has been rejected by the Ontario Liberal Government.

The report states that Watson had asked Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa for an answer by today in regard to whether or not the Ottawa area would be able to have two separate gaming zones, similar to what had been outlined for the City of Toronto.

The article explains that Sousa informed Mayor Watson of the Province's decision via letter.

The report goes on to state that, given the province's response to the request, Watson sent a letter to Ottawa councillors saying that he believes most councillors want to have slot-machine gaming remain at Rideau Carleton Raceway. Watson wrote that council members shouldn't delay their decision in regard to their preferred location for a gaming site in the Ottawa area.

Trot Insider will update this story when more information becomes available.

(With files from the CBC and the Ottawa Business Journal)