THIS IS WHAT a proposed 30,000-square-foot Lake City Casinos outlet could look like on Anderson Way.
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Oct 12 2007
A significant expansion to Vernon’s casino is raising concern. The City of Vernon has been officially notified that the B.C. Lottery Corporation and Lake City Casinos want to move the existing casino from the Village Green Hotel to a site on Anderson Way. “We need a discussion about the problems gambling is bringing about,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell. “To increase the number of slot machines without concern and hearing from addiction experts about the problems of gambling is irresponsible.” The proposed casino would be 30,000-square-feet compared to the existing 12,000-square-feet. The number of slot machines would go from 210 to 400, and the new casino would have table games, a restaurant and a lounge. But before the proposed casino can move ahead, support from the city is required.
Coun. Juliette Cunningham points out that development and building permit applications are already before city hall, so she questions the process the province has mandated. “We’re just going through the motions. We’re not going to vote them down if they have started the building,” she said. The city will hold a public input session Nov. 13. “We are required by law to go through the process and it’s good to get input from the public,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert.
Lake City Casino officials say the expansion has everything to do with meeting the needs of the public. “We want to look at a more full-service facility that has broader entertainment appeal,” said Steve Kumpf, vice-president of Gateway Casinos, which owns Lake City Casinos. That is also the view of Greg Walker, B.C. Lottery Corporation public affairs manager. “It keeps with our vision for great entertainment value,” he said. Depending on the regulatory process, the new casino could be open in late 2008. If the city opposes the new site, the proposal cannot move ahead and Lake City Casino could remain at the Village Green Hotel. “We definitely need the support of the city,” said Kumpf.
As for Beardsell’s comments, Kumpf says casino staff are trained to identify people who may have addiction issues. “We take problem gaming very seriously,” he said. Walker added that the new casino would have a kiosk where customers could get detailed information about gaming, including addiction services. “The kiosk will give out the 1-800 number to access counselling,” he said.
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