It has been reported that the City of North Bay is planning on voting next week on a staff recommendation which would see North Bay conditionally become a 'willing host community' for a new casino. On Tuesday, September 11 at the provincial legislature at Queen's Park, Nipissing PC MPP Vic Fedeli went on the record with a member's statement calling for community referendums before expanded gaming locations are agreed to by municipal councils.
An article by the North Bay Nugget has quoted Fedeli as saying, “My party and I firmly believe a referendum must be held in each and every community in this province where a casino is proposed to be built."
In regard to a referendum on the contentious issue, Councillor Dave Mendicino, who also doubles as chairman of community services, was quoted as saying, “They're too time consuming and cost prohibitive.”
The article states that city staff is recommending that city approval of a casino be subject to negotiations, confirmation and acceptance of the would-be private-sector proponent, revenue sharing, site location and derived community benefit.
(With files from the North Bay Nugget)