In Sudbury, city councillors voted last night to approve the re-zoning application from developers wanting to get started on the new entertainment district development on the Kingsway, which will include a new arena and casino.

Council's amendment of its official plan will mean a legal battle ahead.

On the surface, it was a routine vote on a re-zoning application, but for some, it was the last chance to overturn a divisive decision.

 

Mark Signoretti is Sudbury city councillor.

"It's never too late to change your mind, because we're not that far gone, that this cannot be stopped and re-evaluated, and cooler heads prevail." said Signoretti.

 

However, cooler heads plowed ahead ant the motions were approved.

 

City councillor Robert Kirwan says those opposed to the development aren't looking at the big picture.

 

"Nobody's been talking about what we've decided to do downtown. The economic impact on the downtown is going to be far greater than just having an arena downtown." said Kirwan.

 

Despite council's blessing, that doesn't mean it'll be clear sailing ahead for the Kingsway entertainment district.

A vocal opposition group has already pledged to file a legal challenge, and its ranks are growing.

 

The Downtown Sudbury Business Improvement Area and a group called Casino-Free
Sudbury say they've recruited 500 local businesses to their side.

They've also secured endorsements from a prominent group of local faith leaders and, most recently, the Sudbury and District Medical Society.

 

Dr. Dennis Reich is the Vice President of the Sudbury and District Medical Society.

 

"Increases home violence, spousal violence, problems with economics, with finances in homes, bankruptcies and mental illness tends to rise. This puts a burden on the healthcare system." said Dr. Reich.

 

The group is taking its fight to the new Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.

A hearing on the Kingsway development could be among the first for the new tribunal, which has the power to force local governments to re-examine decisions, but not to overturn them.

 

Kingsway developer Dario Zulich remains optimistic.

 

"I’m proud of the leadership shown by city council and our mayor tonight. They’ve done something tonight that councils for 20 years weren’t able to do." said Zulich.

 

While the opposition gathers support and plans its appeal, many say the move only serves to delay the project, but can't stop it now.