Gaming Centre Tops Council Agenda

Monday, June 26, 2006 04:00 AM

Details of the proposed "Gaming Centre" will be detailed for Prince George City Council this evening. The 50 page report shows a project that will cost more than $12 million dollars, be about 28 thousand square feet, will take up the better part of a downtown city block, and will have 6 townhouses attached. The project would see a full sized bingo hall, along with as many as 100 slot machines. City staff are recommending Council approve the change to the zoning bylaw in order to allow the gaming centre to proceed.

Also on the agenda tonight, a request to make some changes to the alcohol rules at CN Centre. The request would allow alcohol sales on the main concourse for events (other than hockey games) which are aimed at adults.

There is also a public hearing scheduled for this evening on allowing the establishment of a private liquor store on the corner of 5th and Ospika. City staff are not in favour of the proposal, however, recommend that if Council is going to approve the project that certain changes be made with regard to screening from the residential neighbourhood.

Council will be awarding the Youth of the Year awards this evening as well as look at awarding a three year contract with a Vancouver firm to deliver natural gas.

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Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 04:00 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Gofaster on June 26 2006 8:52 AM

More families to be destroyed by alcohol and gambling....wonderful...

Posted by: trusted on June 26 2006 9:21 AM

Yes, I trust along with the alcohol and gambling we can safely add drugs, and a major increase in criminal activities to support destructive habits.
I wonder at times if this city is not in a "self destruct" mode.
Anything for extra dollars.
There will be a price to be paid.
Even those not addicted will pay, and heavy.
What a way to destroy society.
Going to hell in a hand basket-so hang in there.
Oh well, I, for one, am not surprised.
Who is?

Posted by: kimbo on June 26 2006 9:43 AM

How can gambling and more booze create a social problem? We know how to fix those problems and that is a bigger police force. If they leave enough property next to all this develpoment for a new police building instead of having it in a residential area.That should also help revitalize our down town area.

Posted by: camoose on June 26 2006 11:18 AM

Is there any word on the parking proposed for this "Gaming Centre" Will half of the property be left undeveloped so a variety of logging, lumber and commercial trucks can have a place to park? It has worked very sucessfully at the casino. Lovely site to see all these trucks parked at one of our major intersections. Well done.

Posted by: Williams on June 26 2006 2:26 PM

Kind of makes sense now that our City Council with our taxpayers dollars has been dilligently buying up downtown property just in case 'SOMEONE' should want to buy a block of property for developement in the future. Congratulations John Major on your new Bingo/Casino. As for the existing businesses in that block that have been supporting downtown for many years I guess you just move on with perhaps as much as 1 months notice...beware any new small businesses that may be considering a downtown location!!
P.S. A little honesty from certain council members and city real estate people may have been appropriate!

Posted by: trusted on June 26 2006 3:52 PM

Come on-this is NO surprise.
We all knew it was coming-and when it was made public John Major was a "major player" in the proposal, it at that point became a positive.
Don't even look for honesty with the Mayor and council.
Integrity is a dirty word.
One party will not bear the entire cost of establishing this centre. The "silent partners" you will never know. I can guess at a couple. A trip to Mexico will not be the payola on this venture. I am of the opinion there have been many back room discussions pertaining to building of this gaming centre.
Obviously there will be an increase in marriage break ups-, bankruptcies, violence in the home, neglected children, emotionally disturbed children,etc.etc.
The many pawn shops and second hand stores will do a ripping business downtown, and the residents of the city better prepare to keep all possessions of any value under lock and key.
It is sheer foolishness to assume the police will have any more impact on increased criminal activity than they have now.
Gambling becomes an addiction for many. We are probably all aware of the hazards of addictions.
Oh well, let the chips fall where they may.

Posted by: Palopu on June 26 2006 4:17 PM

Alcohol at CN Centre for other events, only a matter of time until it is available for Hockey Fans. However there is a good chance that if attendence keeps declining at games, there will be no one available to drink the alcohol.

The Gaming Centre, was originally to have 50 Slot Machines, now has jumped to 100. This Centre located at 7th and Quebec will be Front and Centre with our Library, Arts Centre, Civic Centre, Swimming Pool.

There is no doubt that it is being built to capture the revenue that was lost from local gamblers when they moved to 16 and 97. This will be a perfect combination. Come to bingo and lose you money on the slots. I suggest that it will be somewhat discriminatory and it appears that the intent is to separate the downtown gamblers from the **so-called** higher class gamblers, and tourists at the Casino.

I cannot see these proposals not going through as there is no one on council with the intestinal fortitude to take on the Mayor, and of course he is the driving force behind this.

Has he ever voted against any of these types of proposals.???

Posted by: REALIST on June 26 2006 4:56 PM

The economy is here to support society not society here to support the economy. Revenues from gambling are bad moneies tainted with the blood of those who get caught in the gambling addiction. Those on welfare will look to the gaming center as a means to increase their meager cheques when in fact it will drive them further into the poorhouse. Don't be fooled, there are city councilors who do not beleive that this gambling center should be allowed into the city. However, such considerable pressures are being exerted to pass this resolution that it has become extremely difficult to vote their heart. I for one would be ashamed of our mayor and council if they pass this terrible plight.