The British Columbia Lottery Corporation announced on Friday that it has selected a Host Local Government for a new gambling venue in the Canadian province.
Following a comprehensive Expression of Interest process, the BCLC has chosen the Greater Victoria region to host the new casino. The gambling regulator pointed out that the new facility will be built in a manner that suits the City of Victoria market. In addition, the existing View Royal Casino in the British Columbia capital will remain the primary venue in the region.
The size and scope of the new casino will highly depend upon plans for the redevelopment of View Royal Casino. BCLC officials have been working together with Great Canadian Gaming Corporation on plans for the expansion of the existing Victoria-based casino with new exciting amenities
The decision about the establishment of another casino in British Columbia came after a market assessment had shown that there was a marketplace opportunity for such a venture. The BCLC launched an Expression of Interest process in October 2015. It was up to six local governments to decide whether and where they wanted a casino in their communities.
Eventually, the local gambling regulator received Expressions of Interest from Victoria, the Saanich District, the Esquimalt Township, Songhees First Nation, and Esquimalt First Nation. After final submissions from Victoria and Saanich District were reviewed, the lottery corporation selected the capital city as the preferred Host Local Government. BCLC officials explained that their decision was based on important criteria, including community support as well as economic, demographic, and geographic considerations.
The lottery corporation will now have to choose an operator to work with on developing a proposal for the construction of a new casino within Victoria. Further consultation is to take place with Victoria officials and West Shore Communities. Here it is also important to note that it will be up to municipal governments to determine whether they want such a development in their community.
Commenting on the latest announcement, BCLC President and CEO Jim Lightbody said in a statement that they are progressing with their plan to enhance the Greater Victoria market with more and better gaming and entertainment options. Through the construction of a new gaming facility, offering a completely different type of gaming experience, Greater Victoria residents and tourists will be provided with yet another entertainment opportunity, the official added.
