Yesterday, Toronto councillors rubber-stamped the $120 million tax break for the Woodbine Entertainment Group's forthcoming Woodbine Live! expansion. Although, some in Rexdale are not too happy with the conditions of the decision.
A report today in The Toronto Sun states that there were no local job guarantees for the estimated 2,500 full-time equivalent jobs the mammoth expansion is expected to create. The decision did not sit well with Community Organizing for Reasonable Development spokesman Guled Warsame, who believes the jobs created will be of the part-time, low-income variety.
"What we (CORD) are looking for is good stable jobs in the community," said Guled, "[especially] if you're going to give our tax money to a private entertainment complex."
Guled also said he didn't believe the tax breaks were needed to attract the expansion.
Toronto Mayor David Miller feels differently about the decision, and offered his perspective on the topic.
"We've managed to negotiate significant benefits for the city, including a unique job training program for people in neighbourhoods marked by poverty who need opportunity the most," said Miller.
"Can you meet every single need of a community from one development? No, that's not possible," Miller explained.
To read the article in its entirety, click here.
(With files form The Toronto Sun)