North Bay City Council heard impassioned pleas from a dozen presenters, begging for a ‘no’ vote to a proposed casino development at Tuesday night’s regular meeting.
But, just as they did at a special meeting of council last week, the mayor and councillors voted 8-3 in favour of a casino.
See: Casino vote leads to heated exchange between city councillors
And again, the highly charged issue resulted in a chorus of boo’s and the shedding of some tears from people who had gathered in council chambers to express their opposition to a casino, many holding up yellow signs with the words “No Casino” written on them.
Tuesday’s vote was the result of a motion for reconsideration requested by Councillor Mark King following the first vote.
In the end, councillors Mark King, Marcus Tignanelli and Scott Robertson voted against the project as they did the first time.
Presenters cited the negative social and economic impact they felt a casino will have on the community, at times getting very emotional in their efforts to sway Council’s decision.
Presenter Monique Peters asked Council to have the “moral courage to vote ‘no’.”
Councillor Johanne Brousseau believes a casino will help attract business to the area.
“Yes, we had a lot of people that are against the casino with a lot of concerns, and I heard them. For me it is not just the casino itself, it is what the casino will attract, other businesses to come to North Bay. So you build one, and then another business may want to build next to the casino or in that area, and develop that area.”
Not one person stepped forward during the two nights of public presentations to voice support for the project.
“The people who are in favour of a casino are silent. I’ve had a lot of communication on social media, more people for than against,” she said.
Construction of the 37,000 square foot casino is estimated to cost $31.3 million. It is expected to offer 300 electronic games, ten table games, restaurants, and pub.
The projected opening date is spring of 2020.
Related: Council votes yes to casino
