The launch of Common Causes Peterborough on January 30. Photo by Clifford Skarstedt/ Examiner/ QMI Agency.
At a recent meeting, Common Causes Peterborough decided to campaign against a proposed casino to be located in downtown Peterborough.
The City of Peterborough and Cavan Monaghan Township are both seeking to host an Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) gambling facility in their respective communities.
MyKawartha.com reports, “After hearing more than 25 residents’ thoughts and concerns over bringing a new gambling facility to Peterborough, councillors voted to drop the option of a putting a casino just outside its boundaries in Cavan Monaghan Township. While a few delegations to council supported bringing a casino to Peterborough, most residents expressed concerns over problem gambling that could result from putting a casino near residential areas, including downtown.”
The ‘No Casino in the City’ website states, “There are many good reasons for keeping the casino at Kawartha Downs in neighbouring Cavan, Monaghan Township, near the Peterborough Airport, where it’s been since 1998. With very strong public sentiment against a casino being built anywhere into the City of Peterborough, the public should not be ignored!”
MyKawartha.com also notes, “While the decision (on the location of the casino) will ultimately lie with a private operator, chosen by the OLG, the Township is looking to strike a deal.” It is also our understanding that a private owner for the casino has already been determined, but not publicly announced. Both of these aspects are quite contentious locally.
The issue next goes to city council on March 18.
For more, please see http://www.nocasinointhecity.com/.
