Racetrack/slots rezoning approved

Corbeil resident Roland Kilpatrick urges city council Monday night not to approve a rezoning application for a racetrack and slots facility. Photo by Bill Tremblay, Special to BayToday.ca.

North Bay city council has approved a rezoning application from Nipissing Entertainment for a racetrack with slots.

Council approved the request tonight six to four, with councillors Dave Mendicino, Judith Koziol, Mac Bain, Daryl Vaillancourt, Maureen Boldt and Mike Anthony voting in favour during a recorded vote, and Mayor Vic Fedeli and councillors George Maroosis, Sarah Campbell and Peter Chirico opposed. Coun. Tom Mason declared a conflict of interest, based on legal advice given to him, and did not vote.

The decision now paves the way for a slots facility in the track, should it be built, and should the Ontario government lift its moratorium on the slots in racetrack program.

Supporters and opponents of the application turned out in force again Monday, with seven making presentations.

Although the application has been passed, and two related bylaws given first and second readings, those against the proposal still have the option of taking the matter to the Ontario Municipal Board.

BayToday.ca will have more on this story early Tuesday morning.