Last night, the Delta Cascades Casino project has been given the green light by Delta City Council. Unfortunately, another obstacle could be faced by project owners from Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd.
As Casino Reports revealed last week, the final vote on the CA$70-million casino and hotel complex was scheduled for July 30th, with the gambling operator finally receiving local council’s approval for the complex which is set to be constructed at the Delta Town & County site in Ladner. Yesterday, the project got the long-desired approval with 4 votes in favor of the casino.
At the public hearing yesterday, the hotel and casino project was backed by councilors Robert Campbell, Bruce McDonald and Sylvia Bishop, as well as by Mayor Lois Jackson. On the other hand, Jeannie Kanakos and Heather King both voted against the project.
Ms Bishop, who voted in favor of the casino and hotel construction, said that the expected benefits from the casino are far bigger than the potential downsides. In addition, Mr. McDonald also backed the project, saying that Delta had originally rejected the idea of a stand-alone casino venue and preferred to ensure a bigger facility for the local community.
Despite the fact that the City Council has given the nod to the Delta Cascades Casino, a final approval of the project is still required by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). This would be the final step of the evaluation and approval process.
Richmond Opposes Delta Cascades Casino Project
As explained above, the approval of the province’s lottery corporation is still needed for Gateway Casinos to start construction works. The casino company has previously revealed its plans to start construction this fall, with the grand opening of the facility expected to take place in 2020.
According to Delta staff, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation remains supportive of the CA$70-million casino and hotel project with the final decision remaining on the agenda.
Richmond, which had previously opposed the project, is among the ones that are to be notified of the approval given by the Delta City Council. It is still unclear whether Richmond will start a non-binding dispute resolution process that would also be overseen by the lottery corporation but it could only follow Delta Cascades Casino’s final approval. Richmond Council has 30 days to appeal.
Previously, Richmond Council has shared its intentions to protect the City’s best interest and has pledged to make sure that in case there is a casino in Delta, it would be situated far enough from the City of Richmond so that no negative effect is brought to the City or the already existing River Rock Casino.
The Delta Cascades Casino has been described as a “modest-sized” venue. At the time when it is expected to start operation, it would feature 24 gaming tables and 500 slot machines. Up to six e-tables are also expected to be offered at the casino. The complex is also set to include a 116-room hotel with a number of dining areas and meeting spaces.
The gambling features offered by the casino could be reviewed after the first six months of the venue’s operation but Gateway Casinos would need further approval of the City Council in order to make such changes.
