The City of Richmond is once again letting Delta know the Town & Country is no place for a new casino, suggesting other locations including North Delta.
In a recent letter to Mayor Lois Jackson, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie reiterates his city’s opposition to the proposed Delta casino, citing concerns including traffic, lack of good transit access and a potential increase in crime.
A report by Richmond staff also notes that if there is to be casino in Delta, it should be located closer to an existing town centre. Richmond wants any Delta casino far enough away so that it doesn’t “disrupt or take customers away from the existing River Rock Casino.”
The report also noted BCLC had previously indicated the market being considered was North Delta, specifically, an area east of Highway 91 and north of Highway 10.
The Richmond report does not mention a North Delta casino would be close to New Westminster's Starlight Casino
According to the lottery corporation, it undertook an analysis with a third-party consultant utilizing existing player data. “This analysis shows that the Town and Country site will capture incremental revenue with minimal impacts to adjacent gambling facilities in Richmond, Surrey and New Westminster,” BCLC states.
Delta has maintained the Town & Country is the only suitable site for several reasons, including the property being far enough removed from residences.
Delta council will consider the Gateway Casino application Monday. If given preliminary approval, a public hearing would be held May 1.
