Hamilton casino talk

Ontario’s Finance Minister says if Toronto doesn’t want a casino, plenty of other cities are ready and waiting including Hamilton.

Reports Thursday say that Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina says Hamilton has put feelers out on the idea.

But his Chief of Staff Peggy Chapman told CHCH News there are no plans yet for a casino, and the city is waiting to meet with OLG later this month.

That’s when they’ll discuss future gaming options, including a new casino and the current slots in Flamborough.

This isn’t the first time there’s been talk of a casino coming to Hamilton.

Residents voted 64% against the idea back in the 90s.

Here’s what Hamilton City Councillor Sam Merulla had to say.

“Well, I think it’s a long shot at this point. We need to focus in on a number of issues. Firstly, we need to deal with the issues of Flamborough, and how this might affect the local economy, particularly the horse farmers of Flamborough. Secondly, we have to consider that in 1997, we had a referendum, which clearly the city rejected a casino. So legislatively, I think we have to take into account what particular responsibility we have to that particular referendum.”

In Toronto, City Council is divided on whether a casino should be part of a revitalized Ontario Place, but the Finance Minister points out a new casino could create an entertainment destination with shopping, restaurants, and park space.