Unfortunately, the people of Ottawa are being short-changed
with the opportunity to provide meaningful input into the decision regarding a
casino and its location. When this matter is presented to full council, rather
than have it unduly evolve as an issue of Eugene Melnyk versus the City, councillors
need to send a clear message that the decision must be deferred pending the
completion of a more all-encompassing analysis. Notwithstanding Mayor Watson’s
understandable concern to keep employment at the Rideau Carleton Raceway along
with Melnyk’s interest in expanding his investment opportunities, the
decision-making process must not only be above board but also appear to be so.
That’s not obvious right now.
While there may be some merit in having a casino at either
the raceway or the western fringe of the city, and assuming we decide to have a
casino, we should not lose sight of the need to have it situated in an area
that is not only readily accessible for the majority of its residents but also
the many visitors that may tend to gravitate to a location closer to the downtown
area. With the Casino Lac-Leamy being closer for most Ottawa residents, as well
as for visitors, what would be the motivation to travel further than necessary?
It seems clear that more homework needs
to be done before deciding on this issue and councillors must insist on that.
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