Delta is sticking to its preferred site for penny slots despite Richmond’s objection.
There’s been no word if the B.C. Lottery Corporation will go along with Delta’s choice of having a potential casino at the Town and Country Inn site, near the junction of highways 17A and 99, even though it’s been last November since it was announced Delta was chosen as the preferred host local government for a new gaming facility south of the Fraser.
Overseen by a third party fairness monitor, BCLC said its evaluation committee selected Delta based on a variety of factors including strong market potential, community plans and transportation access.
The gambling facility, which would have to go through the municipal approval process, would be a relocation of Surrey’s Newton Community Gaming Centre, currently just a bingo hall. It would be expanded to include more gambling and entertainment options.
Gateway Casinos Entertainment Ltd., the private-sector service provider of the Newton facility, would own or lease the facility in Delta on BCLC’s behalf, and operate it on a day-to-day basis.
When Delta council approved the Town and Country location right off the bat, civic staff noted the potential gaming facility would require significant additional amenities, including a hotel, conference centre and restaurants, to support Delta’s tourism strategy.
However, BCLC “expressed concerns” about Delta’s preferred site following Richmond voicing opposition.
BCLC stated the Town & Country site “is not a suitable location due to its distance from the identified market opportunity and its proximity to the River Rock Casino Resort.”
Asked if other locations have been explored and the status of Delta’s facility, BCLC last week would only state they have no new information at this time.
Mayor Lois Jackson said Delta maintains its preferred location is the most suitable for a potential casino.
“Council passed a resolution to that effect and we haven’t changed it. That would have to come before council. Things might be slow at the moment with the change in government,” she said.
A Richmond city report notes, before Delta can approve a casino, it is an obligation under the Gaming Control Act to seek and consider input from the community and to consult on certain matters with local governments whose borders fall within five km of the proposed gaming facility.
The report also notes, “Greg Walker, Director of Public Affairs, BCLC has advised that the BCLC is not interested in having the casino negatively affect Richmond, or disrupt or take customers away from the existing River Rock Casino, as they will be looking to develop a separate casino market in North Delta, south of the Fraser River.”
The report also notes, “Although Delta wants a casino at the Town and Country Inn just south of the George Massey Tunnel, Mr. Walker said it may be located in an area east of Hwy. 91, south of the Perimeter Road, west of King George Highway and north of Highway 10.”
Surrey and the Tsawwassen First Nation were also invited by BCLC to submit expressions of interest for a casino. The TFN did express interest but Surrey, which had voted down an application to build a destination casino a couple of years earlier, declined.
