Town staking its claim on slot revenues
By Chris Simon

Innisfil council worries a plan by Simcoe County and Ramara Township could impact slot machine revenues at Georgian Downs.

A plan by Simcoe County and Ramara Township could have a dramatic impact on municipal slot machine revenues at Georgian Downs, says Innisfil mayor Brian Jackson.

Since 2001, the town has received over $23 million in slot revenues from the over 450 machines owned and operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation at Georgian Downs. But yesterday, the county passed a recommendation to seek provincial funding from Casino Rama revenues. Ramara is doing the same.

Jackson voted against the recommendation at the county meeting, because it could affect revenues the town generates from Georgian Downs.

Essentially, if the county was successful in obtaining Casino Rama revenues, it may also eventually ask to share in Georgian Downs profits, he said.

"Ramara, along with the county, are trying to access funds from Casino Rama, and I was very apprehensive with where they're going. County CAO (Mark Aitken) mentioned there is a facility in Innisfil (Georgian Downs)," he said. "I wanted it very clear that this does not include Georgian Downs. We've got to be very cautious and careful. There have been several occasions where the mayor of Ramara has commented on what happens in Innisfil with their lottery funds."

Last year, the provincial government received $105 million from Casino Rama, about 20 per cent of the casino's overall revenue. However, neither the county or Ramara currently receive money from the casino, despite spending several million in infrastructure and casino-related capital projects, said Ramara mayor Bill Duffy.

"The intent of the (Casino Rama) funding is to benefit both the county and ourselves. Nowhere else in Ontario does a commercial casino, charity casino or (race track/casino) exist without providing some revenue to the local municipality, except in Ramara," he said. "The county and township should receive a portion due to the fact that we provide roads, road maintenance, ambulance, fire and rescue services to the patrons. This is totally unfair."

Innisfil has also spent a significant amount of money upgrading roads and other services to accommodate Georgian Downs.

Thus, the municipality should not have to share profits, if asked, with the county and its member municipalities, said Jackson.

"It's very disturbing," he said. "The county had an opportunity to deal with Innisfil and (Georgian Downs) at the time (it was built). We invested to bring that facility to our municipality. It's inappropriate for anyone to think they can tap into that money without justification."