Ken Mann
1/15/2013
The perspectives are as different as black and red.
Supporters and opponents of Hamilton's proposed bid for a full service casino are gearing up for a pair of information forums, Wednesday evening in Waterdown and Thursday evening at Hamilton City Hall. Both sessions start at 6:30.
On one side is a group that supports the continuation of gaming in Flamborough, but is strongly opposed to a proposed downtown casino.
Organizer Matthew Green fears a range of negative impacts on a number of Code Red neighbourhoods, from depression and alcohol and drug use to organized crime and prostitution. He also worries about added demands on the police service.
Paul Burns of the Canadian Gaming Association counters that a gaming facility which draws thousands of people into an area should be seen as a good thing. He also insists that there aren't any communities with gaming facilities that are fighting to get rid of them.
Groups to be represented at the public forums include Hamilton Police, Public Health Services, The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health and Flamboro Downs Horse Racing Operations.
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