Request the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to grant an exception for seniors playing cards in community centres for nominal entry fees - by Councillor McKelvie, seconded by Mayor John Tory

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The decision

2021-11-09 · Toronto City Council · adopted

As filed

City Council on November 9, 10 and 12, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the City Manager to write to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and request a regulatory change that will allow seniors to pay a small entry fee (under $2.00) so they can legally play cards in our community centres and collect winnings, without a licence. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and

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Recreation to consult with the City Solicitor on options to allow this wagering to continue until the City receives official notice to discontinue the practice from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

We believe our community centres should be safe and accessible places for our seniors to engage in fun recreational and social activities. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario's current regulations - as interpreted by City Legal staff - prohibits the longstanding practice of seniors playing cards for an entry fee, in our community centres. The City of Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division has been working to find a solution, but outside of going against licensing requirements, staff cannot find a way for these programs to continue with wagering and the collection of low entry fees.

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Many of our seniors have been clear that this type of nominal wagering has been part of Community Bridge and Euchre programs for decades. These games are social by nature and are not designed to generate profits. This Motion is urgent as after months of lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our seniors are ready to return to community centres for recreational card games.

Staff recommended

Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, seconded by Mayor John Tory, recommends that: 1. City Council request the City Manager to write to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and request a regulatory change that will allow seniors to pay a small entry fee (under $2.00) so they can legally play cards in our community centres and collect winnings, without a licence. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry

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and Recreation to consult with the City Solicitor on options to allow this wagering to continue until the City receives official notice to discontinue the practice from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

On the record

The item as the City filed it

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