OLG boss says Toronto casino would be ‘largest development project in Canada”
by The Canadian Press
Chairman Paul Godfrey said the Toronto casino would be a "a once in a generation opportunity."
TORONTO—Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. Chairman Paul Godfrey says building casino in downtown Toronto could create 12,000 jobs with a total capital expenditure of more than $2 billion.
That would make it the largest development project anywhere in Canada.
Speaking to the Toronto Board of Trade Sept. 21, Godfrey said the Toronto casino would be a “a once in a generation opportunity,” that will also include hospitality, entertainment, retail and convention space.
Godfrey says less than 10 per cent of the square footage would be used for table games and slots.
He said concerns about crime are over played and haven’t materialized in other communities with casinos.
Godfrey wants a waterfront or downtown site for the Toronto casino, but said OLG won’t impose a facility on any municipality.
There are other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area that are equally viable hosts, he said.
