Port Moody voters will get a chance to weigh in with their opinion on casinos during the Nov. 19 civic election.
Voters will be asked: "Should the opportunity be presented in future, are you in favour of the development of a casino in Port Moody?."
But it's just a question to gauge PoMo voters' opinions, said Mayor Joe Trasolini, not a referendum.
"It's just a routine review that staff is charged with to look at costs and incomes," said Trasolini, who was absent when council voted to add the question to the ballot during a March committee of the whole meeting.
The last time voters were asked the question was in 2004 and, at the time, 73% said "No." He said the passage of time hasn't made him any more accepting of casinos.
"People who can least afford to lose that money see that hope and try to invest their minor disposable income or the money they can't afford," said Trasolini, who isn't running for re-election.
He agreed, however, that they can be money-makers for host cities.
According to acting city manager Colleen Rohde, the city has no applications from casino operators.
ONE MORE CHANCE TO HEAR THEM
There is one more all-candidates meeting scheduled between now and the Nov. 19 civic elections.
In Coquitlam, the Maillardville Residents' Association hosts its candidates' meeting for mayoral and council contenders only at 7 p.m. this Sunday, Nov. 13 at Place Maillardville (1200 Cartier Ave.).
