Next mayor of Niagara Falls calls for community consultations on Ford’s casino plan

Laura StoneQueen's Park Reporter Published Yesterday Open this photo in gallery: Tourists, shops and attractions on Clifton Hill, in Niagara Falls, Ont. Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail Comments Save for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story. Log InCreate an account Ontario Premier Doug Ford should consult with Niagara Falls residents about his plan to bring more casinos to the region, the city’s incoming mayor says, citing some community concerns about the viability of expanding the gambling industry. In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Lori Lococo, who was elected mayor in the Oct. 26 municipal election, said she supports increasing tourism but added that the community should have a chance to give feedback about the province’s plans to spur development in Niagara. Lococo, a 56-year-old two-term city councillor who focused her campaign on affordability, beat 16-year incumbent Jim Diodati. She is to be sworn into office on Nov. 16. Lococo said voters wanted to see change in the city of about 100,000, known for its spectacular waterfalls and tourist attractions. Niagara Falls currently has two casinos, but the region has also struggled with changing visitor habits in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ford has made boosting tourism in the region one of his priorities, releasing a multi-billion dollar “Destination Niagara” strategy last December with the goal of attracting 25 million annual visitors and doubling the region’s tourism to generate an additional $3-billion for Ontario’s GDP each year. Ontario calls for new investors in Niagara casinos, slashes tax rate for operators The government said the plan – which includes additional “world-class gaming,” culinary experiences, and arts and culture, as well as an expanded airport – will lead to billions of dollars in growth for the provincial economy, as well as tens of thousands of jobs. But the focus on gambling, including more Las Vegas-style casinos, has also raised questions about the government’s priorities and added to general concerns around the proliferation of online gambling, as well as the need for community consultation. Last week, the Ontario government announced it would be slashing the gambling tax rate in Niagara as it issued a call for investors for up to three new casino operators. Lococo said the province has heard from the tourism industry, experts and investors on it Destination Niagara strategy. “Now, I think we need input from our residents. It’s really important that the residents feel heard,” she said, noting that before the first casino opened in Niagara Falls in 1996, there was a local referendum. “I’m not saying that we need a referendum.