Woolwich Township is one step closer to landing a casino following a Tuesday night council meeting.
Councillors voted 4-1 in favour of officially declaring their interest in hosting a casino to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.
Before the vote, councillors heard from several delegations in favour of and against the idea of a casino.
Proponents of a casino say it will bring the township hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in annual revenue.
Those against the casino proposal say they don’t want to see problem gambling on Waterloo Region’s doorstep.
Regional councillors are set to debate a motion by Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr that revenue from the casino be shared with other municipalities in Waterloo Region.
That motion will be debated Wednesday night.
Woolwich councillors agreed Tuesday to discuss the idea with the region, noting a casino could lead to increased costs for policing, public health and social services.
The township says revenue from the casino – potentially $4 million a year plus property taxes – would go solely to funding local infrastructure.
In a press release, Woolwich Mayor Todd Cowan said a casino will “help better the Township of Woolwich in the immediate and long term future.”
The township has already suggested two possible sites for a casino – one on King Street near the St. Jacobs outlet mall, and one on Shantz Station Road in Breslau.
