Council could ultimately decide to ‘hold ’em, fold ’em or walk away’ tonight when it comes to a new casino proposal for North Bay.

A special meeting, including public presentations goes at 5 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

A staff report says the conditions of a previous council resolution involving proponent, revenue share agreement, site location and derived community benefit have been addressed.

It recommends Council approve the standard Municipality Contribution Agreement, with the final MCA to be subject to review by the city solicitor when received.

Details recently emerged about the casino planning to open in the spring of 2020, reportedly on Pinewood Park Drive.

 

Meantime, the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board is asking Ontario Lottery and Gaming for a share of the potential casino revenue.

DNSSAB is formally requesting a revenue sharing agreement with the OLG to address the social impacts of a casino operating in the City of North Bay.

“We are asking for formal matching of revenue sharing with OLG, similar to the agreement with the City of North Bay,” says DNSSAB Chair, Mark King. “We are proposing the funds could then be used for homelessness prevention, mental health and addictions services and employment supports for the marginalized and vulnerable in the District.”

Back in 2012 the impact of a casino was studied by the DNSSAB.

The report estimates about 5% of the adult population in the District, or between 2,000 and 3,000 citizens, could become problem gamblers.

 

Photo courtesy pixabay.com

 

Filed under: North Bay Casino, North Bay City Council