North Bay City Council by a 7-3 vote has signed off on a revenue sharing agreement with Ontario Lottery and Gaming for the casino.

Highlights include the city getting 5.25 % of the first $65 million from slots and four % from table games.

OLG can pull out of the deal any time.

Mayor Al McDonald says OLG has invested $35 million in the community so that’s unlikely.

He says there are many benefits including 200 jobs being created but that’s not all.

“It could be anywhere from 1-2 $million in additional revenue. We also understand that depending on the value of the building it could be assessed at between $500,000-$800,000,” he says.

There’ll also be a community event held every year to highlight the annual contribution OLG makes to the community.

Councillor Mark King has always voted against the casino coming here.

He says his concern has always been the long term social impact.

“I guess the question is what will the social costs be after a year or two and how is it impacting the city,” he says.

(photo by station staff)