The city of Niagara Falls has asked for a judicial review of what it calls Ontario Lottery & Gaming’s “flawed” modernization plans, that it claims includes closing one of two existing casino in Niagara Falls and relocating it to the Woodbine Race Track in Toronto—and converting that facility to a full-service casino and resort with a hotel.
Niagara Mayor Jim Diodati claims that the possible relocation would “harm job growth and economic development” and alleges that OLG’s request for proposals is being conducted in secret. It figures up to 1,400 local jobs could be lost. “When we look inside the RFP, we can see the seeds of disaster have been planted, and it’s going to be disastrous for the Niagara region,” he said. “This is all about fighting to protect the jobs that OLG is proposing to carve away and hand to Woodbine.”
Niagara Falls’ two casinos employ between them 4,000, making them the largest employers
The casino Diodati claims OLG has targeted Fallsview, which the mayor declares is “the No. 1 casino in the country.” Fallsview opened in 1996.
Niagara Regional Chairman Alan Caslin added his voice to Diodati’s, telling the Niagara Falls Review that the RFP is “not in the best interests of Niagara families,” and calling on OLG to take “change course.” That translates into canceling the RFP. So far, the provincial government has declined.
Both men say that the original purpose of opening casinos in the province, to provide jobs and economic development, has been perverted to generating more money in taxes for the provincial government.
OLG’s Bitonti responded to the court filing by stating: “OLG will have an opportunity to respond to the city’s application through the court process. Since this matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the application.”
