There's plenty of slot revenues to go around
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by Chris Simon

When it comes to Georgian Downs revenues, the Town of Innisfil is thinking small-scale.

Yesterday, the County of Simcoe passed a recommendation to seek Casino Rama revenues from the province. The Township of Ramara is doing the same, after years of failing to receive a stake in Casino Rama revenues. Both of those municipalities have spent millions in capital project costs, upgrading road and emergency services that directly affect the casino and its patrons. Meanwhile, the province received $105 million from Rama revenues last year.

Innisfil's municipal leaders have been watching the situation closely, with the mayor and deputy mayor even voting against the proposal at county council. They worry the county may eventually seek revenues from Georgian Downs.

Since the site opened in 2001, Innisfil has received over $23 million in revenues.

The town has also spent significant money upgrading roads and other infrastructure for the increased traffic generated by Georgian Downs. Obviously, their concerns are warranted. But this could be the perfect time to toss the county some money. Georgian Downs is scheduled to undergo a major expansion, which will see its number of slot machines increase from about 450 to 1,000. Presumably, more slot machines will generate greater revenues at the site.

While the town claims the money will help pay for community projects, it forgets that the county provides essential services that directly affect the Georgian Downs area. The county maintains several roads that run through the Innisfil area. County Road 27 is a major commuter road, located only a few kilometres from Georgian Downs.

The list of roads that could directly affect Georgian Downs patrons is long. George Johnston Road, and county roads 89, 88, 90 and 26 are among only a few roads that help bring patrons from the northern and western ends of the county to Innisfil and Georgian Downs. Both the county and Innisfil could greatly benefit from the economic impact created if those roads were properly maintained and repaired.

The county is also justifying a stake of Rama revenues based on the other essentials it provides to patrons, like ambulance services. The same argument could thus be made towards Georgian Downs.

Innisfil council needs to start thinking outside the box. It's easy to fall into a trap, and suggest Georgian Downs is only for Innisfil's profit. But by that single-minded logic, Innisfil should be paying for its own ambulance, garbage and Ontario Works services. Things don't work that way though, it would cost too much. Instead, municipal representatives are given the task of doing what is best for the people of our communities.

An investment in county roads, infrastructure and social services will benefit everyone, including town residents. Well maintained and repaired roads, along with a greater investment in the county's tourism association could attract people to every area of the county, including Innisfil.

Casino revenues could also be reinvested in county garbage and paramedic services, to improve the lives of town residents.

The county is currently undergoing its growth management process, something that will determine how several hundred thousand people will be serviced over the next 25 years. Innisfil has chosen to be a part of the process, and will likely benefit from the stability provided by a long-term growth plan. Town council is willing to work for the benefit of all county residents in some aspects, but not in others.

It seems like this give and take relationship is a little one-sided.