Markham is out of the casino game.
Wary of adverse effects on social life and civic reputation, city council including Mayor Frank Scarpitti voted 9-4 Tuesday night against any work or public consultation on a bid for a casino as part of a major convention, entertainment and hotel complex.
“I can tell you, as mayor, this is not a priority for me,” Scarpitti told council, noting he didn’t want such a project diminishing the city’s reputation for quality of life.
“I see the casino as a real blight on the city of Markham,” added Councillor Valerie Burke, echoing the thoughts of some other colleagues.
Council heard from ratepayer groups and residents who underlined that a casino would spark gambling addiction, family breakdowns, prostitution, illegal drugs and loan sharking.
“Our ‘windfall’ may just be some child’s food money for the next month,” said resident Donna Bush. “I don’t want to be party to add to more human suffering . . . There are huge disadvantages to introducing yet another vice into our town.”
Bush also produced a letter from Cardinal Thomas Collins, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Toronto, who stressed that gambling dependence causes serious suffering for individuals and families.
Councillors rejected a motion from Councillor Jim Jones who sought support for the city to consider a bid for the major complex including the casino.
He wanted public consultation and some internal analysis about the economic and social impacts of such a project so council could make a decision on whether to make a proposal to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG).
“Let’s get the ball rolling,” he said.
The OLG wants to expand gaming in the GTA after Toronto rejected the idea for its waterfront and at Woodbine racetrack in northern Etobicoke. Other municipalities are considering bids.
Some councillors including Colin Campbell, who seconded the motion, said there is nothing wrong with looking closer at the economic benefits of a casino and consulting with the public.
Karen Rea, president of the Markham Village City Ratepayers Association, said it was refreshing that the motion called for extensive public consultation by council, unlike the proposed NHL-size arena project, which has faced public criticism for a lack of transparency.
The association’s executive was divided on support for a casino, Rea noted.
But Councillor Don Hamilton questioned whether the benefits would outweigh the social downside. If council considered a pitch for a casino, it should hold a public referendum, he suggested.
“I don’t want Markham to be considered as ‘that casino place,’” added Councillor Howard Shore.
