The city’s finance and economic development committee in a 10-1 vote today approved a motion by Mayor Jim Watson identifying the Rideau Carleton Raceway as “the only location acceptable” for an expanded gaming facility in Ottawa.
Watson himself originally touted the idea of a casino in the city’s core. But, in a letter to council members last month, the mayor said the OLG would only allow one casino in each “gaming zone” – meaning the city would lose slots at the raceway if it established a casino elsewhere.
If council doesn't protect the raceway it will “close down within a few years,” Watson told the committee.
Alex Lawryk, spokesperson for the Rideau Carleton Raceway, voiced his support for Watson’s motion and thanked council for the “strong, productive relationship” it has built with the raceway over the years.
Rosemary Leu of the Kanata Chamber of Commerce urged the committee to vote down the motion. Her organization is calling for an open and competitive process to determine the best proposal.
Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk, who wants to bid for the casino and has touted Canadian Tire Centre as a fit location, described the motion as “sole sourcing” – not allowing other proposals for the casino’s location. “None of us should sit idly by and allow council to govern in the absence of due process,” he said.
Senators president Cyril Leeder said they are not asking the committee to endorse the Canadian Tire Centre, but to have an open competition and follow process.
Melnyk implied he would launch legal action against the city.
Melnyk wants to find an additional revenue stream for the cash-strapped Senators, but maintains he has no financial troubles.
City council will vote on the motion next week.