Uptown, Tillicum eyed for casino
Saanich staff shortlists sites for region’s second gaming centre; Victoria also in running
Saanich staff say the Uptown or Tillicum areas could work as locations for a contentious new casino.
The two areas would seem most appropriate for either a casino or community gaming centre, says a draft letter to B.C. Lottery Corp. But that doesn’t close the door on other “major centres,” including Hillside, Royal Oak and University Heights.
Uptown and Tillicum “appear to be perhaps the most appropriate ones, but they’re not the only ones,” chief administrator Paul Thorkelsson said. “It will be up to proponents to find a location and come forward with a proposal about where it is to be located.”
Saanich council will review the draft letter Monday, before submitting it to BCLC by June 23.
BCLC hopes to increase revenue beyond the $45 million it already collects from the View Royal casino, by opening a second gaming centre in the region. Both Saanich and Victoria are in the running and stand to win a financial jackpot if selected.
The annual revenue potential of the new casino is expected to be $30 million to $40 million, according to BCLC. The host municipality could anticipate between $1.8 million to $2.5 million annually, in new non-tax revenue.
BCLC will choose the host city after reviewing each municipality’s response to its questions, which ask about expected amenities, rezoning processes and timelines. After that, BCLC will determine a service provider — who will propose specific sites — and begin public consultation.
Victoria’s preferred sites will be reviewed by city council Thursday, Mayor Lisa Helps said.
Saanich’s Uptown and Tillicum areas — which are not specific to the shopping centres — were highlighted because of their potential for development and proximity to major roads, staff said.
Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell said the sites seemed appropriate, but more public input is needed.
“I think they’re definitely acceptable locations. They’re centralized, they’re near restaurants and other things. So from an economic perspective, it could give us a boost,” Atwell said.
“But we still need to hear from our residents to find out what their feelings on this are. It’s still early in the process.”
Initial feedback was negative. Rob Wickson, president of the Gorge Tillicum Community Association, said a casino is not appropriate for the neighbourhood. “It’s just not the kind of economic activity we want. We’re a board that is conscious of the negative aspects of gambling. It’s basically a tax on the poor,” Wickson said.
“Our neighbourhood already has a lot of negativity around it and we’ve been fighting that.”
The community association plans to meet with residents and give council feedback, he said.
Carol Hamill, president of the Mount View Colquitz Community Association that represents residents in the Uptown area, could not be reached for comment.
The gaming centre could come with amenities. Saanich’s draft letter said a hotel, theatre or performance venue would likely be the best fit. It would have 300 to 400 slot machines and eight to 10 gaming tables, if tables are included. Final game mix and counts will be determined by BCLC.
West Shore mayors have contested BCLC’s plans, saying the region isn’t big enough to support two casinos.
Langford Mayor Stew Young said he and View Royal Mayor David Screech expressed concerns during a meeting with BCLC last month. Promises for an expansion at the existing View Royal casino, including entertainment facilities, have not been fulfilled, he said.
“It was a pretty heated debate, I gotta tell you, there’s no question. We feel we’re being wronged by BCLC,” Young said.
“We don’t believe that building another casino when you haven’t even built the first one properly is right.”
Great Canadian Casinos has permits for a $20-million expansion that would add a theatre and restaurant, helping it to attract the same type of top-flight entertainment as at its River Rock Casino in Richmond, Screech said in October. But, he said, Great Canadian has told him expansion plans are on hold until the question of a second casino is settled.