The city council in Delta, British Columbia soon will decide whether or not to approve Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd.’s $56 million casino-hotel at the Delta Town & Country site. If the council grants preliminary approval, a public hearing would be held in June, construction would begin this fall and the venue would open in Ladner in 2020.
The property would offer a casino with 500 slot machines and 24 gaming tables to start with, and a 116-room hotel with restaurants and meeting space. “It’s not just gambling. It’s not just entertainment. It’s the benefit that goes back to the communities,” said Chris Fairclough, manager of stakeholder engagement for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
Two years ago the City of Delta invited Surrey, Delta and the Tsawwassen First Nation to submit applications for a casino, since Gateway announced it would relocate Surrey’s Newton Community Gaming Centre. Surrey council declined, but the TFN and Delta both submitted applications. Delta named the Delta Town & Country Inn as an ideal site for “a complete entertainment complex,” due to its distance from residential areas and access to major transportation corridors. Although the City of Richmond expressed concern a potential Delta casino would impact revenue at the River Rock Casino, and the BCLC also initially had concerns about the Delta Town & Country location, Delta held firm and won the proposed casino.
Local host governments receive a 10 per cent net share of revenue that goes to the province. As a result, BCLC estimated Delta initially could expect to receive $1.5-$3 million annually.
Those opposed to the proposed casino were concerned it would take money that would be spent elsewhere in the community. Others worried about a possible rise in problem gambling. Increased traffic also was a concern but Gateway noted it has a traffic management plan and the casino’s peak business times would not coincide with rush hour.
Gateway currently operates 26 gaming facilities across Canada and has announced expansion plans.
