Next mayor of Niagara Falls calls for community consultations on Ford’s casino plan
Niagara Falls mayor-elect Lori Lococo urges Premier Doug Ford to consult residents on his plan to expand casinos in the region.Summary
Lori Lococo, the incoming mayor of Niagara Falls, Ontario, is calling on Premier Doug Ford to consult with residents before proceeding with his plan to bring more casinos to the region. In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Lococo, who defeated 16-year incumbent Jim Diodati in the October 26 municipal election, said she supports tourism growth but believes the community should have a say in the province's "Destination Niagara" strategy, which aims to attract 25 million annual visitors and double tourism revenue. The government recently announced it would cut the gambling tax rate in Niagara and seek investors for up to three new casino operators. Lococo noted that residents are concerned about falling revenues for traditional casinos, job losses, the addictiveness of online gambling, and infrastructure needs. She plans to reach out to the Premier's office to discuss how residents can provide feedback, suggesting open houses or surveys. A spokesperson for Ontario's Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister said the government will continue to engage with municipal leaders and communities as it implements its plan.
(Source：Google News)