An email from Mayor Rob Ford’s office to his city council allies shows, for the first time, his explicit endorsement for a downtown casino.
Ford’s office sent the email, which includes talking points, to his allies Monday ahead of a report released by city manager Joe Pennachetti on the viability of a downtown casino.
The email suggests Toronto’s interests would be best served if the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation “simply” expanded Woodbine Racetrack and built a new casino downtown.
“Toronto will receive significant new revenues to fund the City’s programs, services and capital needs,” if the casino is built downtown, the email reads. If it’s built elsewhere, “Toronto will receive no new revenue.”
Pennachetti’s report predicts a downtown casino will generate millions in new revenue and thousands of new jobs. It also includes a warning from Dr. David McKeown, Toronto’s medical officer of health, that some Torontonians will become problem gamblers.
The email advises Ford’s allies to suggest “gambling addiction is a serious problem that affects a very small segment of society (fewer than would benefit from new employment.)”
It also suggests Toronto will still feel the negative social impacts, without the additional revenue, if the casino is located elsewhere.
The email concludes by drawing a distinction — the question for city council is whether to allow a casino in Toronto, not gaming.
“There is already a very significant gaming sector in Toronto,” including Woodbine, the Exhibition Place each summer, and “a significant illegal gambling sector,” the email ends.