“Coulombe heads an intergovernmental committee that is examining whether the casino should be moved to the Peel Basin, in the heart of some of Montreal’s poorest neighbourhoods.

“There’s a lot of good in Loto-Québec’s project, but there is concern about the impact of the project, Coulombe said while releasing his report Thursday.

“?He recommends the gaming authority pay $300,000 to the southwest borough council so it can create a group that will discuss solutions to local social problems.

“?Loto-Québec and the Cirque du Soleil want to build a $1-billion entertainment complex and casino for the Peel Basin?”