The long-simmering question of whether Waterloo Region should get a casino is flaring up once more.
Rod Phillips, president of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, is in Kitchener today to discuss the idea with the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
Woolwich Township has been considering a casino and already held one public meeting with OLG officials.
Woolwich Mayor Todd Cowan says a casino would help fund the township’s $63-million infrastructure deficit.
At a Wednesday night Waterloo Region council meeting, Kitchener Carl Zehr suggested the region have a say in any decision to put a casino in one of its cities or townships.
“All the potential adverse effects that could come from a casino are those services that are provided by the region,” Zehr told CTV.
“Therefore there should be some discussion of the revenue sharing that would come for the municipalities.”
The OLG says it will only place a casino in an area where they have municipal support, but Zehr says that support may legally only extend to cities and townships, not upper-tier governments like Waterloo Region.
Phillips says there is a benefit to the region even if it doesn't share in the casino revenue.
"Over 50 per cent of the property taxes, which in this case could be in the neighbourhood of $2 million, will go to the region," he said.
Zehr placed a notice of motion Wednesday night. Regional council will discuss the issue March 6.
While in Waterloo Region, Phillips will also meet with local mayors as a group.
