The debate surrounding Kenora casino venue and its particular place of operation continues, already reaching local officials. Kenora City Council received the petition signed by as many as 700 individuals claiming that gambling should stay away from the former Abitibi mill property. Gateway Casinos & Entertainment has a license for operation in Kenora and this was the location it pinpointed as lucrative.
A casino complex could shape the way a community operates and influence it in various ways. They could increase the problem gambling rates within the community, as people allow their gambling habits to get out of control. Casinos could also support the city coffers with their regular allocations powered by gaming revenue generated by players, later on, reinvested in the community.
City Council Receives Petition
Kenora City Council saw the petition taking the community by a storm and counted 700 unique signatures on it. Locals had the opportunity to express their opposition to the proposed casino site, eyeing the transformation of the former Abitibi Mill property. It should be taken into account that the petition does not oppose a casino venue in Kenora, but simply its proposed location.
The recent meeting gave locals the chance to express their opinion, Pastor Dave Boyle being among them. He pointed out that Gateway Casinos is a major force, which could propel the local economy but it could also harm the community. Gambling addiction is a problem that often affects individuals that have allowed their gaming habits to spiral out of control. People of poorer communities are drawn to the easy money gaming venues often promise.
This is how the marginalized areas end up hooked on gaming, something Kenora should not allow. Pastor Boyle added that people in the neighborhood of the proposed casino would be closely involved with it. On the other hand, the meeting also gave supporters of the casino a chance to voice their position. Ed Kraynik is a local supporting gambling expansion within the region.
Gateway Casinos Might Build Elsewhere
The local resident said that a casino venue would result in a boost for the local economy, as well as an increased number of individuals traveling to Kenora from neighboring communities. Areas to the likes of North Dakota and Thief River lack gambling operation, while locals appear to be interested in such.
They could easily travel to Kenora in a similar fashion to their current trips to Warroad. Local businesses are also projected to see a positive surge of customers as a result of the people traveling to Kenora. The petition aims to make it impossible for any gambling operation to take place on the aforementioned property. This could happen with a proposed Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw Amendment.
An alternative location for the future casino could be the General Commercial area in the vicinity of Veterans Drive and Ninth Street. As for the considered former mill property, earlier conversation has shown that locals would like to see affordable housing transforming the area. A hotel venue welcoming individuals from near and far might also bring benefits for a wider crowd, as well as a spacious parking lot for the constantly growing number of cars in Kenora.
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