Gaming Centre Passes 1st Hurdle

Monday, June 26, 2006 11:47 PM

Architectural rendering of the gaming centre planned for the block of Quebec street between 7th and 6th Avenues.

It has been more than six months since the previous City Council deferred voting on a proposed Gaming Centre for downtown Prince George. The matter was sent back to Administration last November asking for more information on a variety of issues including: detailed design plans, clarification on charity funding and assistance for those who are addicted to gaming.

The proposed gaming centre plan put before Prince George City Council this evening answers those questions and more.

The new facility would replace the bingo hall on 4th and Victoria in Downtown Prince George, would be 28 thousand square feet and would have six townhouses. In addition to paper and digital bingo, the hall would offer a maximum of 100 slot machines, and that number might be expanded depending on the market demand.

Here are some of the details of the plan:

The facility would cost between 12 and 15 million dollars to build, and would create more than 1,000 person - months in construction jobs.
The centre would provide 660 "bingo" seats, 100 seats for slot players. That total is the same as the current number of bingo seats at the existing bingo hall
There will be no loss of revenue for the charities who currently get a share of bingo revenue. In fact, the proposal says charities will get a share of $50 thousand a year for the next 20 years
The completed centre will staff 100 people that’s 60 - 70 more than the current bingo hall
No plans for a liquor license
Good Time Bingo will cooperate with gambling addiction service providers to improve counselling services in Prince George

City Staff says the development is appropriate for downtown and will fit in with the other residential and business development now going on.

While some Councilors feel the development will be of benefit, Councilor Munoz stated she was against the entire proposal because of the detrimental effects of gambling. Munoz spoke of a study that showed gambling problems increased when the establishment was located close to residential areas. As well, she questioned whether Prince George residents actually had $5 million in unneeded “disposable income” to spend in the casino each year.

Mayor Kinsley says he’s not a bingo player and not much of a gambler, but it’s an opportunity for downtown, and the city needs to hear from those who do enjoy these activities.

The motion to amend the bylaw to allow the situation of a Gaming Centre at the downtown site passed, with Councilor Munoz opposed and Councilor Skakun abstaining because of possible conflict of interest.

The Gaming Centre must still pass several hurdles before its future is certain, with the most difficult being a Public Hearing. City Staff say the Public Hearing stage probably won’t be for another month or two.

Speaking after Council adjourned, Councilor Munoz said she hopes the Public Hearing will bring out the voices of those who recognize the harmful nature of increased gambling within the city. Munoz says it’s mainly those who would financially benefit from the Gaming Centre who have been heard so far, and there are many in the larger public, including the City’s own Social Planning Council, who recommend against gambling expansion. Munoz looks forward to their research being made public and to hearing the public’s input.

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 11:47 PM in News by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: REALIST on June 27 2006 7:19 AM

Shamefull. This will do nothing but suck 90% of all money wagered out of Prince George. This is not in any way going to help mthe people of Prince George. Only those involved like J. Major will increase their wealth at the expense of many who can not afford to lose their money. How can our councilors look themselves in the face knowing what they inflict upon the public in the name of immaginary revenue. SHAME,SHAME, SHAME.

Posted by: trusted on June 27 2006 9:14 AM

What a relief it is.
No imaginary money for this proposal.
Loads of greembacks in the offing.
Might have to hire another couple employees to count it.
Just have to bring some booze into the mix now-and it will be well rounded out.
Come one-come all-beats the hell out of boredom.
Get rid of that disposable income in a hurry-and while you are at it-get rid of the family-the house-the car-the bank account- and learn how to lie, cheat, and steal poste haste-and no schooling required.
Are you having a good time yet?

Posted by: diplomat on June 27 2006 2:46 PM

Two casinos in a town where once the mayor and the council voted to keep slot machines out altogether???

This time though the slot machines don't have to be brought in and unloaded under the cover of darkness, as in the first instance.

What's next, Las Vegas style wedding chapels on one side of George Street and a row of quickie divorce lawyers offices across the street?

Amazing what the lure of the almighty gambling buck can accomplish as far as the swaying of opinions and firmly held convictions goes.

Posted by: REALIST on June 27 2006 6:49 PM

Interesting sidenote. One of the city councilors abstained from taking part in the meeting because he claimed a conflict of interest due to some kind of contact with an invalid political contribution. If that is the case, (and this councilor has been nothing if not morally responsible, so far) who else was approached by this contributor and why was only one councillor up front with this? This is especially glaring in view of the seemingly universal acceptance of this project (with the notable honest and morally correct Debora Munoz speaking out against this travisty). I suspect that several city councilors and a mayor might very well be $hitting bricks right now that if there is some kind of improper dealings going on they are about to be exposed. I think that this is starting to stink stronger and stronger of political wrongdoings.

Posted by: trusted on June 27 2006 7:19 PM

I do believe it is possible Brian Skakun has let the cat out of the bag.
All it takes is for just one person to "stand up to be counted" and possibly others could follow suit.
The seeds of suspicion have now been planted.
Back room dealings are not uncommon, nor have they ever been.
It takes a strong person to even make any effort to effect exposure.
He has risked expulsion from the ranks-or, at the very least, banishment by his peers.
The man has proven he is "Not For Sale."
Do not count out Skakun. The man obviously showed integrity.