It marks a crucial point in the debate over a downtown Toronto casino-resort and conference centre.  Mayor Rob Ford’s executive committee members will hear today from Toronto residents who’ve registered to speak on the issue.  They will be commenting on a report by city manager Joe Pennachetti, which lists more than 40 conditions council could impose on the potential deal for a casino.  The main condition is a call for at least $100-million in hosting fees.

Some executive committee members have said they want to wait until the Ontario Lottery and Gaming releases the new funding formula for hosting. But Councillor Michael Thompson tells the CBC, he’s in favour of a motion that would lay out the city’s conditions for hosting a casino.  “What I think is simply needed is to put that in as a condition.  If that condition is met, then you proceed.  If that condition is not met, then obviously you don’t have a deal.”  The OLG has only said it will provide the hosting fee formula by the end of April.

Mayor Rob Ford plans to present a motion to end public deputations at 8 o’clock this evening, so not everyone who’s registered may get to speak.