Ontario: Council debates over where the $1.26 million in casino revenue should go

Ontario: Council debates over where the $1.26 million in casino revenue should go

Article brief provided by North Bay Nugget
  • Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles, North Bay Nugget
March 3, 2023 4:02 PM
  • Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles, North Bay Nugget
  • Ontario
  • Commercial Casinos

There are plenty of options, however the person who holds the city’s purse strings laid out her plan on how to use the $1.26 million in casino revenue Thursday evening.

Margaret Karpenko, chief financial officer for the City of North Bay, suggested to council to use $1 million in 2023 to reduce debt on the $52 million ice rink project slated to be built at the Omischl Sports Field.

She said the remaining balance, about $260,000, will be distributed to a community partner and program plan once approved by council.

Karpenko strongly suggested Ontario Lottery Gaming revenues are not steady and dependable and never guarantee an exact amount, therefore shouldn’t be relied upon to fund any of the city’s agencies, boards or commissions.