“It does show that the city is polarized,” said John Wright, vice-president at Ipsos Reid, in an interview with The National Post. “You do, at first blush, have half the city who’s got concerns about it and the other half who doesn’t, so it is going to create friction.

Digger deeper, the survey indicated 37% of Torontonians would increase their support of a Toronto casino if it were part of a larger  facility that included entertainment venues, restaurants, shops, and hotels. Meanwhile, 59% of respondents said a new casino would have a “positive impact” on Toronto, while 58% agreed a new casino would being numerous benefits to the city such as new jobs and economic boosts. 

“It’s not every day someone brings the potential for a $3-billion development to your city,” said CGA's vice-president, Paul Burns. “There’s been lots talked about by MGM in the community and there are other companies that are, and will be, looking at Toronto.”