Cascades Casino receives support for 2 liquor licences

Penticton city council has unanimously supported two liquor licences for Cascades Casino Penticton.

The main floor gaming area, accessible to adults only, will be licensed for up to 1,529 patrons, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Match Eatery and Public House will be licensed for 396 patrons plus an additional 386 on an outdoor patio.

Building and permitting manager Ken Kunka said Tuesday there were no letters or emails of objection sent to City Hall.

However, nearby resident Lynn Kelsey said she’s concerned about noise that can travel south from the outdoor patio, especially in the summer months.

“We are very sensitive to our neighbours and we want to be good neighbours,” Cascades general manager Michael Magnusson said previously, noting several walls that will serve as sound barriers.

Magnusson said casino staff will monitor the volume level coming from inside the second floor.

When asked during media question period if parking will be a problem, Mayor Andrew Jakubeit remained optimistic.

“Cascade Casino does intend to have a shuttle service to help ease the burden on parking, in particular during peak times when there are events on at the campus,” the mayor answered.

“There are going to be some times when you’re probably going to have to walk. Sometimes, in Penticton, if you can’t park directly in front of a building there’s a perception there’s no parking. We’re going to make our best efforts to help mitigate the problem.”

The application now goes before the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.

Cascades Casino is scheduled to open April 5.