The Salvation Army has joined the campaign against building a multi-billion dollar resort and casino complex in downtown Toronto.
In a statement issued early Friday morning, the social service provider said it is “deeply concerned” about the “devastating impact” any casino would have on the city’s less fortunate.
The statement, which comes three days ahead of a special executive committee meeting on the casino issue, is just the latest in a long line of public expressions of opposition made by community groups and stakeholders.
“The Salvation Army does not support economic development through gambling and we believe the community and especially the marginalized will be negatively affected,” the statement reads. “History and research confirms the negative impact a casino would have on families and the desperately needy in Toronto.”
Mayor Rob Ford has publically lobbied in favour of allowing a casino to be built, suggesting that the city could earn up to $148 million in annual revenue that could then be put into public transit expansion.
The mayor has had few allies in advocating for the facility, though, with the Toronto Star reporting on Thursday that just six other councillors out of 45 have decided to vote yes on the file while 22 others say they will vote no and two others say they are leaning towards voting no.
In its statement, the Salvation Army urged all councillors to consider “other investment opportunities” for the city rather than allowing a casino to set up shop.
