Numerous sites identified
City council members in Victoria, the capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia, voted overwhelmingly on June 16 to keep casinos on the front burner as a possible economic driver. According to the Victoria News, the city has informed the British Columbia Lottery Corp. of its interest in possibly bringing a casino to its downtown area. Along with the BCLC and the District of Saanich, it will work to identify the most suitable location for a gaming hall. As part of an “expression of interest,” city officials identified Crystal Gardens and the adjacent Apex Steel & Gas facility as potential development sites.
BCLC is considering one of two options, the News reported: a community gaming center with electronic bingo and lottery games, and a full-fledged casino with up to 400 slots as well as table games, plus a conference center, hotel, entertainment venues and other attractions.
According to report heard by council, the facility could generate $30 million to $45 million, of which $1.8 to $2.5 million would support “other city goals.”
“I’m very much in favor of us keeping our options open and staying in the running. I think it could be a real benefit to Victoria and downtown,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.
Councilor Ben Isitt said he will fight the proposal. “I don’t think it’s ethical to rely on that for a revenue stream,” he said. But other councilors said the city should keep its options open.
“I am supportive of this, taking the next step. I see it as just that—a next step, to continue in the conversation with the province along with Saanich, to the degree in which we’re interested in the site,” said Councilor Marianne Alto. “It could be another tool in our tool box as far as looking at resource development and I don’t see a reason to shut that door at this time.”
The district of Saanich on Vancouver Island also remains open to casinos as a source of revenue. “In Richmond, they put the casino earnings to the Olympics,” said Councilor Fred Haynes. “In Kelowna and other places, it goes to funding the police, and various municipal costs, so there are benefits we need to consider.”
In Saanich, three sites have been identified as possible casino locations: Uptown, Tillicum and Royal Oak. “We have to put our own beliefs about gambling aside and let the public decide what’s best,” said Councilor Vic Derman.
