Will Toronto’s construction industry come away with billions at the casino?

If Toronto decides to allow a casino and convention centre in the city, the project will provide construction activity in the range of $1.3 billion to $2.3 billion, according to a new report. The 84-page report was prepared by city staff for presentation at a special executive committee meeting on April 15.

The report analyzes sites in the downtown and at Exhibition Place, and another at the existing Ontario Lottery and Gaming establishment at Woodbine racetrack in Rexdale in the city’s northwest.

If a downtown site is chosen, the report says it is economically critical that the casino must be accompanied by new convention facilities. The city’s analysis for a downtown site includes a 175,000-sq. ft. casino floor, 100,000 square feet of associated spaces (food, retail), an 800-room hotel, 1,048,000 square feet of convention and trade show area, and almost 3,000 parking spaces.

Many groups oppose allowing a casino in the city, arguing that the social effects can be damaging for individuals and for the urban fabric. A group of church leaders has collectively lobbyied against it.