Open this photo in gallery:
Tourists, shops and attractions on Clifton Hill, in Niagara Falls, Ont.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
Ontario Premier Doug Ford should consult with Niagara Falls residents about his plan to bring more casinos to the region, the city’s incoming mayor says, citing some community concerns about the viability of expanding the gambling industry.
In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Lori Lococo, who was elected mayor in the Oct. 26 municipal election, said she supports increasing tourism but added that the community should have a chance to give feedback about the province’s plans to spur development in Niagara.
Ms. Lococo, a 56-year-old two-term city councillor who focused her campaign on affordability, beat 16-year incumbent Jim Diodati. She is to be sworn into office on Nov. 16.
Ms. Lococo said voters wanted to see change in the city of about 100,000, known for its spectacular waterfalls and tourist attractions. Niagara Falls currently has two casinos, but the region has also struggled with changing visitor habits in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Ford has made boosting tourism in the region one of his priorities, releasing a multi-billion dollar “Destination Niagara” strategy last December with the goal of attracting 25 million annual visitors and doubling the region’s tourism to generate an additional $3-billion for Ontario’s GDP each year.
Ontario calls for new investors in Niagara casinos, slashes tax rate for operators
The government said the plan – which includes additional “world-class gaming,” culinary experiences, and arts and culture, as well as an expanded airport – will lead to billions of dollars in growth for the provincial economy, as well as tens of thousands of jobs.
But the focus on gambling, including more Las Vegas-style casinos, has also raised questions about the government’s priorities and added to general concerns around the proliferation of online gambling, as well as the need for community consultation.
Last week, the Ontario government announced it would be slashing the gambling tax rate in Niagara as it issued a call for investors for up to three new casino operators.
Ms. Lococo said the province has heard from the tourism industry, experts and investors on it Destination Niagara strategy.
“Now, I think we need input from our residents. It’s really important that the residents feel heard,” she said, noting that before the first casino opened in Niagara Falls in 1996, there was a local referendum.
“I’m not saying that we need a referendum. But what I’m saying is, that the residents want to be heard, and they’re wondering why they haven’t been asked yet about their feelings and how it’s going to impact them.”
Gambling-related ER visits have almost doubled since Ontario opened market to private companies, study finds
She said she will be reaching out to Mr. Ford’s office to ask how residents can offer feedback, either through open houses, surveys or other means. The province has given casino operators until Dec. 3 to show interest in the region, and will then choose shortlisted proponents who will be able to enter a competitive process to submit detailed proposals for new casino developments.
Ms. Lococo said the Premier called her after her win last week to congratulate her, but they did not discuss substantial issues.
She said among residents’ concerns are falling revenues for traditional casinos and job losses.
“A lot of casino cities are seeing the same decreases,” she said.
“It changes their city when a lot of people lose their jobs. So people are concerned about, if we bring more casinos here, how is that going to work itself out when there’s already a decrease in spending.”
Addictiveness of online gambling is also an issue she wants to see addressed.
“A lot of young people are getting so in debt because of this online gaming, it wrecks their financial future,” she said.
Opinion: iGaming didn’t ‘keep Ontarians safe’ – not by a long shot
In addition, there are questions about infrastructure needs and traffic if tourism increases substantially, she said.
Scott Clark, a spokesperson for Ontario’s Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Zee Hamid, said the government is championing the region as a premier tourist destination, including by making the “gaming environment more competitive.”
“We will continue to engage with municipal leaders, including Mayor-elect Lori Lococo, as well as Indigenous communities, industry partners and community members as we deliver on our plan to double the number of annual visitors to more than 25 million, generate $3 billion annually for Ontario’s GDP and create 46,500 new jobs across the region,” he said in a statement.
Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Ms. Lococo worked for more than 25 years in the legal field as an administrator and clerk before running for council in 2018.
Ms. Lococo said she agrees with the province that the tourism sector is incredibly important. She said plans for the area should strike a balance between attractions, natural beauty, gambling, restaurants and entertainment.
“I don’t think that people really want to be considered a gaming city. It could be part of a bigger picture,” she said. “But it’s also people’s homes.”