By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - November 09, 2007
Plans for a larger casino are generating mixed reviews.A small but steady crowd of people turned out Tuesday to review a proposal to move the Lake City Casinos outlet from the Village Green Hotel to Anderson Way, immediately behind the Toyota dealership.“It’s quite delightful,” said Joanne Doerges of the facility, which goes from 12,000 to 30,000-square-feet.“It gives Vernon another form of entertainment.”If it goes ahead, the larger casino will see the number of slot machines climb from 210 to 400, while there would also be six table games, two poker tables, two electronic tables (poker and roulette) and a 700-seat pub/restaurant.“We want to appeal to a broader base of customer so it’s not just a gambling experience,” said Steve Kumpf, Lake City Casinos president.Kumpf says his clientele is looking for more entertainment opportunities.“They are anxious to see what we are building and when it will be ready to go.”Resident Jim Bodkin was among those who attended the open house hosted by Lake City Casinos and the B.C. Lottery Corporation.“We already have a casino so a bigger one is not an issue for me,” he said.However, Bodkin suggests the city’s portion of casino revenue go towards social issues, including those related to gambling addiction. He also believes the casino would be better located downtown as a way of drawing people there. He says it could be built on the publicly owned Coldstream Hotel property in conjunction with civic uses.“I don’t care if the library is part of a casino,” said Bodkin.Not everyone, though, supports expanded gaming.“Our government shouldn’t be raising money through gambling,” said Linda Kennedy.“The city is complaining about the lack of industry and we’re going to put a casino there,” added Dave Kennedy.A major stumbling block may be the City of Vernon.“Relocation has to be approved by council. If they say no, that’s it,” said Kumpf.If the city won’t give its blessing, Kumpf said the casino would remain in its present location.But if approval is granted, the goal is to have the casino open by next November.“We have a developer all ready to go,” said Kumpf. Council will hold a public input session on the proposed casino location Nov. 13 at city hall at 7 p.m.
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