Report Supports Woodbine Expansion

Published: June 23, 2015 05:01 pm EDT

Multiple items published in the Toronto media on Tuesday (June 23) indicate that the City of Toronto has assembled and completed a report that conditionally recommends the potential expansion of casino gaming at Woodbine Racetrack.

An article on the situation by The Globe and Mail is citing the report as saying that Woodbine could potentially house up to 5,000 slot machines and 300 live-dealer tables.

The Globe’s article cites the city report as projecting up to $29.6 million in annual revenue for Toronto if the gaming expansion gets the green light. Additionally, the article states that the city report calls for the potential expansion to include an ‘integrated entertainment complex,’ retail space, and direct coordination with Toronto’s medical officer of health.

The article states that Toronto’s executive committee is scheduled to meet next week to discuss the matter.

The Toronto Sun has run an item on the report. In it, acting city manager John Livey states the following: "This report recommends that city council pass a resolution in support of expanded gaming at Woodbine, subject to planning, economic, social and health related conditions.”

The Sun piece also cites Livey as stating the following:

"This report also recommends that city council request the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to select a service provider that will work with Woodbine Entertainment Group to create a comprehensive development plan for Woodbine consistent with the city's official plan, that includes non-gaming related uses, in addition to expanded gaming, resulting in an integrated entertainment complex that can attract net new spending to Toronto and meet economic and community development objectives."

(With files from The Globe and Mail and Toronto Sun)

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