After Delta council’s July 30 approval of the Gateway Casino proposal, Achieving for Delta’s mayoral candidate George Harvie has announced a plan to invest casino revenues back into Delta while leading an effort to stop money laundering should the project receive final approval from the province.
“As mayor, I will ensure that we invest revenues from B.C.’s gaming host community grant back into Delta in the form of vital local programs and addictions services,” said Harvie. “I’ve spoken with families experiencing substance use and mental health challenges in our community, and I’ve heard that many of them feel alone in getting the help they need.
“That’s got to change – and our plan will provide assistance to Delta’s many community service organizations to better support those in desperate need.”
The casino, which will be built at the intersection of Highway 99 and 17A, is expected to generate between $1.5 and $3 million in annual grant revenues for the city and create hundreds of jobs in Delta.
The timing of the approval comes just weeks after the release of Peter German’s independent review of the province’s anti-money laundering practices in Lower Mainland casinos. Harvie says that on his watch, Delta will lead the charge in reforming these policies to keep dirty money out of B.C.’s casinos.
“It’s high-time for municipalities to demonstrate leadership on this issue. As mayor, I will present for council approval of a motion requesting the Attorney General to work with the Union of B.C. Municipalities to implement a system for cashless casinos,” says Harvie.
He cites New Zealand as a successful example of a jurisdiction that has moved towards cashless casinos, offering card-based and ticket-based options for responsible gambling.
“I think Delta should be at the forefront of initiating a systematic change that would virtually end money laundering in our casinos,” he added. “There's simply no place for that here in Delta or in our province, and as mayor, I will always fight to ensure the utmost safety of our community.”
The B.C. Lottery Corporation is expected to make a final decision on the casino by the end of the year.
The municipal election is Oct. 20.
