Toronto Rejects New Downtown Casino

Also, no new news about allegations of mayor's crack use

Toronto city council has voted to say no to a downtown casino, putting to an end a year-long debate that included a parade of proposals from U.S. gambling firms and a citizens-led campaign against them.

Council also voted to reject plans to expand gambling at the city's existing casino at Woodbine Racetrack.

The vote, held at a special meeting of council called by a majority of councillors over the objections of the mayor, took place against the backdrop of accusations that Mayor Rob Ford appears to be smoking crack in a homemade video.

Mr. Ford refused to comment to a crush of reporters who gathered outside his office before the meeting. He remained on an elevator that opened outside his office, flanked by staff from his office who shielded him from cameras until the doors closed.