Kingston Casino Referendum

       Now there was a referendum recently in Kingston, Ontario, that any municipality could well pursue. The community considered whether or not to allow a casino within its midst. At the recent municipal election was a clear and simple question for the voters:  Are you in favour of a casino being located in the city of Kingston? Yes. No.

         Despite very strong views and media efforts by the casino champions, of the 46% of the citizens who voted, 71% rejected the idea.

         According to the news article on Oct. 30, in the daily newspaper in North Bay, Ontario, this issue had been considered pro and con by the council for more than two years. Other cities, such as Brantford, were cited as places where a casino was apparently successful. Economic benefits were emphasized. The social problems of gambling, however, were argued in opposition. 

         And so, despite the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. favouring Kingston as a site, the citizens had their say. The mayor of Kingston apparently deemed the casino issue now “dead”.

         Is not that the way it ought to be, in a democracy? The majority opinion should stand, with the right of the minority to be heard. Why do we not encourage more binding referendums upon consequential issues within this province? Especially with the vast improvement in communications, and potentially  the ease of voting from home, via computers, should this  idea be pursued more.  Then citizens might feel truly involved in their community’s well-being.  And wouldn’t that be a good thing?