By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 26, 2008
A provincial agency is not wading into the debate over how many slot machines should be allowed in Vernon. The B.C. Lottery Corporation is aware of Coun. Jack Gilroy’s plans to ask council in January to reconsider a bylaw that restricts the number of slot machines in Vernon. But it won’t get directly involved in the process. “That’s a matter for the city to decide,” said Greg Walker, BCLC’s manager of public affairs. In September, the previous council decided to set a limit of 300 slot machines in the community, although BCLC and Lake City Casinos wanted 400 for a new casino on Anderson Way. City officials have previously stated that even with the bylaw limiting slot machines to 300, Lake City Casino can still have 400 because the devices were shown in designs submitted to the city. But that would make the operation legally non-conforming under bylaw, something BCLC is not used to being in for the slot machines it owns.
Walker says no decision has been made on whether 300 slots will be placed inside the casino once it opens in May, or if it will go against the bylaw and install 400 machines. “We will look at the marketplace closer to the opening and then make a determination on the numbers,” he said. However, a letter from the City of Vernon confirming the possibility of 400 machines may influence BCLC’s actions. “We are prepared to proceed on the basis of that letter,” said Walker. “But our preference is that the focus on the casino be put in the bylaw, including the number of slot machines.” Some former members of council wanted a limit on slot machines as a way of getting Lake City Casinos to provide assistance for a social responsibility fund. However, Lake City Casinos refused to provide financial assistance and Gilroy says permitting additional slot machines will give the city monetary resources to handle infrastructure needs as well as address pressing social issues.
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