According to the Surrey Leader, there are now three applications underway for new casinos in the City.
The “community gaming facility” application from Boardwalk in Newton is expected to come before Council soon. It proposes a $25 million upgrade to a current bingo hall, and would add 150 slots to the facility. The application is a contentious issue as it contradicts the new gaming policy in Surrey and would put penny slots in the centre of Newton, which has replaced Whalley as the new hub for crime, addictions, and poverty in the City.
The gaming policy of Surrey is as follows:
“Gaming in Surrey is to remain restricted and is only to be considered if it is part of a ‘cluster of tourism’ type facility, which is regional/provincial in scope.”
On that note, there are two much larger casino proposals expected to come forward in the near future.
One is proposed near the Days Inn in the City Centre, across from the King George SkyTrain station, and site of a future 80-storey multi-complex development from Ralph Berezan.
The second, from Bob Cheema, includes a proposed convention centre and hotel, in addition to the casino, on a 24-acre parcel of land at 8 Ave and 168 St.
One potential hitch in the plans however is Minister for Housing and Social Development Rich Coleman. He has previously stated that the provincial government is getting to a saturation point with casinos and would be hesitant to approve more applications.
Surrey currently only has one casino – in Cloverdale as part of the Fraser Downs Racetrack.
If slots are added to the bingo hall in newton it will be bad news for an already impoverished neighbourhood.
The closest school to the bingo hall is an inner-City school with a lunch and breakfast program since most of the parents cannot be bothered to send their children to school with a lunch.
Right now, I think there are at least three or four payday loan shops within a short walk of the bingo hall. If slots are allowed, expect to see that double.
Paul,
Do you know when the public hearing for the Berezan casino is? I have been searching everywhere for a time and place but haven’t been able to find anything. Also, any update on the status of the Berezan buildings?
Thanks
Paul,
Do you know when the public hearing for the Berezan casino is? I have been searching everywhere for a time and place but haven't been able to find anything. Also, any update on the status of the Berezan buildings?
Thanks