The city council vote on whether to welcome a casino to downtown Toronto is delayed amid behind-the-scenes debate over whether council should hold a separate, later vote on the resort’s location, sources say.

City spokesperson Jackie DeSouza told the Star that a delay in completing a staff report on the casino question means it won’t go to Mayor Rob Ford’s executive committee next week, or to council at its April 3-4 meeting.

Ford could call a special council meeting later in April for the casino vote, or wait until the next scheduled meeting, May 7-8.

“We are awaiting outstanding information from OLG regarding the two zones being considered for the location of a potential casino,” DeSouza said, referring to C1 (downtown Toronto, Mississauga, Markham and Richmond Hill) and C2 (Woodbine racetrack, Mississauga, Vaughan).

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.’s “modernization” plan calls for gaming facilities in willing communities in 29 zones made public last May.

Sources knowledgeable with intense lobbying efforts by casino operators, and their consultations with OLG and Toronto city staff, say other issues are brewing.

OLG wants two council votes.

The first would be on whether Toronto is willing to pursue the casino opportunity and potential conditions. If it is willing, OLG would select, by tender, a builder/operator that would work with the city and OLG on location, size and other details. The results would go back to Toronto council for another vote, likely early next year.

Some potential operators talking to city staff prefer to have an all-in-one approval — or rejection — now, to preclude continuing the uncertainty and political rancour that has marked the process so far, sources say.

OLG spokesman Tony Bitonti said Monday that “it would irresponsible to hold an all-in-one vote,” when there are city zoning and other details to work out for each proposed downtown site — Exhibition Place, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Front St. W., or the Port Lands.

Another important detail in the coming staff report will be the result of city negotiations with OLG over the annual “hosting fee” Toronto would receive. A city-commissioned consultant’s report pegged the fee as high as $168 million. OLG has suggested $50 million to $100 million.

Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday said he’s OK with a delay if it produces more information. He wants council to have a say in choosing both the operator and what it would build.

“Benefits to the city — jobs, infrastructure, revenue and location — all have to be on the table before we say yes or no,” Holyday said.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Meanwhile, the push for Toronto to welcome a downtown “integrated resort” continues Tuesday, as senior officials from MGM Resorts, Las Vegas Sands and Caesars Entertainment tell Ryerson University and George Brown College students about potential job opportunities for them.

MGM and development partner Cadillac Fairview are holding a public casino “career showcase” Saturday and using automated invitation calls to Torontonians to boost interest.

Read more about: