Ken Mann
9/19/2012
Hamilton politicians have tabled the question of whether to hold a referendum into the city's possible pursuit of a new casino.
Councillor Sam Merulla has agreed to table his motion for another four weeks, in order to find out if the province will allow Ontario Lottery and Gaming to slow down the local decision-making process.
He would like to include the referendum question as part of the 2014 municipal election.
The city could also hold a referendum sooner than that, but at a much higher cost, possibly into the millions of dollars.
Ancaster's Lloyd Ferguson is among those who'd like to be given time to ask the question to residents --- stressing that it would give elected officials a "comfort level".
City Council heard from Ontario Lottery and Gaming representatives on Wednesday who have made clear that the future of Flamboro Downs is uncertain, regardless of whether city councillors decide to pursue a casino, because it's a site they don't own.
Great Canadian Gaming, the operator of Flamboro Downs, also made a presentation at City Hall.
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