Support Grows for New BC Casino
Support for a new BC casino continues to grow, with three local business groups now throwing their weight behind the idea.
The Surrey Board of Trade, the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and the South Surrey-White Rock Chamber of Commerce believe that there are many positive reasons to vote in favor of the controversial mega-casino planned for the city of Surrey in British Columbia, Canada.
The BC casino will boast a 60,000 square foot casino floor, and will include restaurants, a theater and a hotel. It will cost approximately $100 million to construct.
The three business groups believe that a convention, tourist and casino complex of this size will benefit Surrey and the surrounding areas in many ways, not least of all economically.
Millions Spent on Gambling by Locals
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation revealed that Surrey residents already spend close to $90 million a year at casinos outside the city.
If a mega-casino is constructed in the city, a lot of those gambling dollars will remain within the city limits. The casino also has the potential to bring in around $3 million a year in gambling revenues.
Surrey residents will be able to enjoy a mega-casino which has the potential to attract big names in the entertainment business, without having to drive far.
"This is a significant amount of money that is getting into the car and driving to Richmond, Coquitlam and even across the border to the US," said Cliff Annable, speaking for the South Surrey - White Rock Chamber of Commerce.
Anita Huberman of the Surrey Board of Trade said that the idea was attractive because the complex would be "multifaceted." In addition to the 27,000 square feet of "much-needed" conference facilities, the casino will also see the construction of over 200 hotel rooms in the area.
"It is much more than a casino," she said, "and this fact really must be recognized."
Opposition to Surrey Casino
While the local business groups have come out in support of the Surrey casino, not everybody is pleased with the idea.
Opponents have been vocal at public meetings held to hear about the BCLC's plans to construct the Surrey casino, with the next one scheduled for the middle of next month.
Opponents believe that a casino will increase crime rates in the area, and affect farm land.
The Surrey City Council is slated to vote on the BCLC proposal for a new casino early next year.
