City council wonders whether to have a casino referendum now, later or never

Let’s hope the peace and love down at city hall continues today as councillors debate whether to put the question of a Toronto casino to voters (again). Michael Thompson, chairman of the city’s economic development committee, wants a ballot this fall and thinks the province, which instigated the casino plan, should front $7 million or so to pay for a referendum. Adam Vaughan, who opposes the would-be gambling complex, wants the city to wait and just throw the question onto the ballot during the next general election in 2014. The motions each require the support of two thirds of council to move along to debate; otherwise, they’ll be punted to Rob Ford’s executive committee. For his part, the mayor has previously said he supports putting a question about casinos on the 2014 ballot (along with one about subways, of course), but he’s so far said nothing about a mid-term vote. This could get interesting. Read the entire story [Globe and Mail] »