Plan to limit slots draws poor crowd

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 28,

Limiting the number of slot machines in Vernon doesn’t appear to be a major issue for most residents. Only two people spoke at a public hearing Monday about a proposed bylaw that would restrict slot machines to 300 in the community. While Lake City Casinos wants 400 machines, resident Bob Spiers pushed for the 300 slots as a way of getting the company to provide funding for a social responsibility fund. “It gives the city the bargaining power to get a heck of a lot more money,” he said. Spiers pointed out that Vancouver gets $200,000 a year from a casino for social issues there. Lake City Casinos officials support a limit on the number of slot machines in Vernon, but they want the figure set at 400. “We’ve had the property rezoned and we’ve been through a public information session. Our business plans are based on 400,” said vice-president Steve Kumpf of the new casino which is currently being constructed on Anderson Way. “There have also been government permits and building permits issued. We’ve always been clear that we plan to install 400 slots.”

Once the public input was finished, the political debate heated up. “We want some compensating factors,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell of the money he believes the casino takes out of the local economy. He added that additional funding from the casino could go towards gambling related issues as well as city initiatives like O’Keefe Ranch. “I’m expecting some co-operation from Lake City and the B.C. Lottery Corporation to come to the table and deal with us in a fair manner.” But Beardsell was challenged by Coun. Patrick Nicol, who favours 400 slot machines. “We have had a legitimate agreement with this business,” he said. “This is a building that’s built, with employees and a mandate we agreed to.” Nicol insists the city can establish a social responsibility fund from the extra funding it will get from the larger casino.

Even if a limit of 300 machines becomes law, Lake City Casinos can go ahead with 400 machines at the Anderson Way site because they were shown in designs submitted to the city. With 400 machines, the casino would be considered legally non-conforming under the bylaw.It’s expected council will consider the proposed bylaw at its Sept. 8 meeting.