It is a well known fact that any attempt for expanding the gambling market in Surrey and Vancouver has met the fierce opposition of the citizens so far. That’s why the fact that none of the politicians, who are preparing for the upcoming elections in the middle of November, want their names involved in the gambling matters, is not too surprising.
The Surrey-based authorities, who supported the establishment of a new casino in the region, are now afraid that this decision may have a devastating effect on the vote of the residents who were really annoyed with the councils’ approval.
The initiator of the new casino project was Gateway, which was planning to build a spacious, luxurious casino resort and the managers’ intentions were supported by Mayor Dianne Watts, who had the final say.
Things in Vancouver are pretty much the same. The Edgewater Casino, located on False Creek, was intended to change its location with the aim of being included in a big renovating project.
However, the population of Surrey and Vancouver was not happy at all with the proposals and let the city councils know about their negative attitude.
Paragon authorities expressed their desire to expand their business and double the number of tables and slot machines. Needless to say, they brought cries of protest from the local people.
The project was approved by the authorities as far as the design is concerned but the final approval and the decision for the number of slot machines and tables was postponed and it will probably be officially announced no later than the beginning of next year as Paragon wants the project completed in less than an year.
However, George Affleck, the Councillor of NPA, supported the idea of limiting the activities of Paragon. According to him, local people are not too keen on the idea of expansion for the gambling industry and the authorities must take their standpoint into consideration.
Mayor Gregor Robertson said that the local gambling industry won’t be allowed to expand during the time he is a mayor.
Kirk LaPointe was criticized for his positive attitude towards the expansion of the gambling sector but all he said was that Affleck will announce the NPA’s final standpoint.
Surrey-based authorities remain tight-lipped about the gambling matters. Barinder Rasode expressed her disapproving view on the expansion of the gambling activities. It seems like she had changed her mind because she voted in favor of the Surrey casino project and was one of the authorities who disregarded the petition and the public events, organized by the residents.
Presumably, the elections, that will take place in two weeks, made all the supporters of the gambling expansion reconsider their opinion and agree with the voters.
On second thought, the gambling industry can have a negative impact on the areas indeed because it will bring about an increased crime rate, lack of money, gambling addiction and last but not least – the vulnerable part of the population will be exposed to new dangers.
