By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - November 04, 2007
Vernonites will have a chance to learn more about a proposed expansion of the local casino. The B.C. Lottery Corporation and Lake City Casinos will hold a public information session about the possible relocation of the casino Tuesday.“We want to increase awareness about the proposal,” said Greg Walker, B.C. Lottery Corporation public affairs manager.The session will run from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.“We do these things on a regular basis,” said Walker of input meetings.“We are interested in what people have to say about the proposal.”The plan is to move the casino from its existing site at the Village Green Hotel to Anderson Way.The new building would be 30,000-square-feet compared to the existing 12,000-square-feet and the number of slot machines would climb from 210 to 400.The plan also calls for table games, a restaurant and a lounge.Walker believes the concept addresses the need for more entertainment opportunities.
“We are responding to consumer demands and fulfilling our vision of where we want gaming to be,” he said.But before the proposed casino can proceed, support from the city is required. Coun. Barry Beardsell is convinced the B.C. Lottery Corporation isn’t interested in community consultation.“They’d be happy to hold their show and tell and no one shows up so they can tell council no one cares,” he said.Beardsell has expressed concerns that gambling has a social impact on individuals, families and the community.“The doubling of slot machines and the doubling of the money taken out of the community appalls me,” he said.The City of Vernon will hold a public input session on the proposed casino location Nov. 13.
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