By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - November 16, 2007
Proponents of an expanded casino in Vernon find themselves pitted against opponents of gambling. About 27 people attended a public input session Tuesday dealing with plans to relocate the Lake City Casinos operation to Anderson Way and to expand the number of slot machines from 210 to 400. “The decision you make will have consequences for the people who live here,” Alex De Boersap told city council. “Slot machines cause many problems.”De Boersap wasn’t the only one who expressed concern about gambling addiction.“Through my gambling, I lost my husband and my home,” said Diane Bateman, who has written a book about her experience.“I became a liar and a thief and I’m not that proud of it.”
Beyond the slot machines, the proposed 30,000-square-foot facility would include six table games, two poker tables, two electronic tables (poker and roulette) and a 700-seat pub/restaurant Other speakers expressed the view that gambling can lead to crime, and suicide and takes money away from the local economy. “Greed is a devastating vice. We can’t stop gamblers but we can stop promoting this evil in this nation,” said Cornelius Van Spronsen.
But others spoke of the need for the facility, particularly to bolster tourism.“There has to be some means to get people into the community who will stay here,” said Eleanor Tardi, with the Prestige Inn. A number of Lake City Casinos employees spoke in favour of the plan. “I am a single mom with two teenagers and I work at the casino and thank God for that,” said Penny Fogg, adding that she gets paid a good salary.Clients of the casino were also present.“I’m 110 per cent in favour of the expansion,” said Robert Johnstone, adding that it creates jobs.“If someone has a problem (with gambling), deal with it but don’t turn down the expansion.”
Council could discuss the issue Nov. 26, and the B.C. Lottery Corporation has stated the project can’t proceed unless there is support from the city.
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