British Columbia’s city of Dawson Creek and its management, in particular, has voiced its reluctance to carry out Great Canadian Gaming’s request to write a formal letter to the Premier Horgan’s office. The city’s authorities claimed that the council will not be writing formal letters on behalf of all business in the region and in this case to Premier Horgan regarding the future of Dawson Creek Chances Casino.
The Great Canadian Corporation is not enjoying its best spells due to the unfortunate effects of the unprecedented situation, which has closed many businesses in the last 12 months. The agency’s gaming properties in the British Columbia province have been closed down back in March 2020. Meaning that ever since then local gambling enthusiasts have been deprived of gambling in its brick-and-mortar casinos.
Difficult Times
The Crown corporation has 26 gambling properties under its jurisdiction across Canada, and it is currently concerned about the potential reopening of its non-functional casinos. Back in February 2021, the company received the green light to reopen several of its gambling facilities in Ontario, but the situation in British Columbia is rather contrasting.
Considering the uncertainty around restarting of businesses in the province, the Crown agency contacted the Mayor of Dawson Creek Dale Bumstead regarding the possible recommencing of operations of Dawson Creek Chances Casino. The corporation requested the city’s management to write a formal letter to Premier John Horgan to learn more on the subject and plan for potential reopening.
City Council acknowledged that the local casino has been severely affected by the unprecedented situation which has been the reason for the casino’s shutting down in March last year. However, councilors did not believe the reopening of the gaming property was not on the agenda since many residents were experiencing difficulties in paying their taxes and required capital.
The corporation’s desire is for the city to follow Fort St. John’s example, when on February 17th, 2021, Mayor of the city Lori Ackerman wrote a letter on behalf of their local casino Fort St. John Chances Casino to the government. This was the second one of this kind after Mayor Ackerman previously wrote to the country’s authorities back in September.
Two Gambling Venues Shut Down
Despite their most recent reopening, the Crown corporation announced on March 5, 2021, that Shorelines Casino Peterborough and Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs will be closing down yet again for an unknown period of time. Both gaming properties in Ontario were suspended from operations on March 7, 2021, after the provincial government informed that there will be changes and to the working businesses in the region.
New Brunswick’s Facility
Previously, the Crown corporation was able to reopen another one of its gaming venues in the country. New Brunswick Casino was officially relaunched on February 8, 2021, after the corporation received the nod from the province’s respective authorities. To this date, all visitors of the casino must follow strict health and safety measures in order to enter its premises. It must be noted that the property has a limit of 50 players at a time and table games and slot machine offerings will be limited.
Source: Flatter, John “Dawson Creek Council cautious about casino letters of support”, Energetic City, March 8, 2021
