October 2, 2013

An Open Letter to Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
and Members of City Council

Dear Mayor Bevilacqua and Members of City Council:

We, the undersigned, are writing to you today to express our strong support for City Council’s decision to continue further consultation with respect to the development of an integrated entertainment and gaming complex in Vaughan.

We urge you to recognize the significant benefits that such a development could bring to Vaughan, including:
$1.2 to $1.5 billion in private sector investment
An estimated 8,000 careers, with an average annual compensation of over $50,000
4,000 indirect jobs in the rest of the community
3,000 construction jobs for local contractors and tradesmen
$32 million in annual hosting fees that can be used by the City of Vaughan
for community priorities
$3.7 million in annual property tax revenue
A new convention centre and performing arts centre
A 5-star hotel
High-end retail and fine-dining restaurants

On two separate occasions this year, City Council has voted to engage in a process with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to explore this potential development. We believe that this process should continue so that Council can make an informed decision.

The economic benefits that an integrated entertainment and gaming complex could bring to Vaughan are too important to disregard. Vaughan residents deserve to have an exhaustive consultation process; one that provides all the facts and evaluates all the aspects, both economic and social.

We encourage Council to continue the conversation in a responsible and democratic way that ensures Vaughan’s residents and City Council have all the information necessary in order to make an informed decision.

Sincerely,

Carpenters Union, LiUNA Canadian Tri-Fund, byPeterandPauls.com, Paramount, Tabletalk, Bellagio, The Manor, Peter & Pauls, Montecassino, Raining Creative