Paragon Gets Casino License with Conditions
The Paragon casino resort has been issued with a development permit in order to be able to develop the urban casino resort in Vancouver. The go-ahead, however, is conditional and Paragon will only get its casino license with conditions. The site of the resort is to be next to the BC Place Stadium.
A couple of years ago, the city had refused to allow gambling expansion at the site next to the BC Place Stadium, the proposed site for the Paragon Gaming urban casino resort. The Vancouver mayor, Gregor Robertson, has made it clear that the decision of two years ago will be honoured. He said: "The decision by the Development Permit Board ensures that the proponent will have to align operations with the concerns raised in the recent Provincial Health Officer's Report on Gambling." Amongst other things, this will also mean that the new license that has been issued is for a total of 75 table games, and 600 slots.
Paragon to Work with Vancouver Coastal Health
The conditions that have been laid down for Paragon Gaming to get full permission to build their urban resort next to BC Place, include working with the Vancouver Coastal Health chief medical officer, and also working in conjunction with city planners. The main issue being dealt with is to reduce the harm that gambling addicts are caused by gaming establishments.
The B.C. Lottery Corporation has noted that the conditions that have been imposed on the $535-million project are significant for the downtown casino resort. One of the restrictions that will be imposed is that three of the senior city staff would make the decision regarding the casino's opening hours, a decision that up until now has been made by the BCLC.
Brian Jackson, the Vancouver general manager of planning, noted that the report done by the BC medical health officer, Perry Kendall, should be reviewed. He said that the developers need to come up with solutions that will address the key issues, which include the hours and liquor service offered, the number of ATMs available, and the number of hours of operation.
Proposed Edgewater Urban Resort
The plan is to relocate the Edgewater Casino to the new location next to BC Place. The urban resort would include a conference centre, a number of restaurants, two hotel towers, and more. Should Paragon Gaming be able to meet the current list of licensing conditions, it is possible that the casino resort will open its doors in 2016.
