Oxford Properties is proposing a massive $3-billion development that would bring a casino to downtown Toronto.

It would be part of a major redevelopment and expansion of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and would cover 11 acres on the south side of Front Street from Simcoe Street to Blue Jays Way.

“We’ll be able to take Front Street which isn’t that user-friendly today, completely transform it, it’ll be spectacular,” Oxford CEO Blake Hutcheson said.

The development would include four new towers housing a casino and hotel complex as well as significant new retail, office and residential space, 4,000 new underground parking spots.

Mayor Rob Ford said he supports any casino project as long as it benefits the city and taxpayers.
 
“If we can make money and it creates good paying jobs, then I’m in favour of it … but until then, I want to see all the proposals that come forward,” Ford told reporters during a tour of Union Station.     

The casino would be funded, built and operated by the casino operator selected by the province of Ontario.

It would also hinge on the city’s approval of a casino which would provide a revenue stream for the entire development.

“Although the casino itself represents less than 10 per cent of the project’s area, it is a necessary and essential catalyst for the entire development and is a use that will be complementary to Toronto’s core in the way that we have designed and conceived it,” Michael Kitt, Oxford Executive Vice President said in a news release