Construction of a gaming centre in Salmon Arm is expected to begin this summer.
The Adams Lake Indian Band has received the approvals it needs to proceed with the centre, says band manager Albert Quinn.
“It’s moving along very well,” he told the Observer. “We’re in the final stages of getting the documents between the developer and the band in place.”
Construction at the former GM site at 10th Street SW and the Trans-Canada Highway is then expected to take 10 to 12 months.
“I believe BCLC (the BC Lottery Commission) has been satisfied on all points, I believe the City of Salmon Arm has been satisfied on all points… I don’t think there’s anything standing in the way at this point.”
The centre is not called a casino by the lottery commission because it does not have card games like poker and blackjack – no table games. Instead, it features online bingo and slot machines.
The first phase of the project involves the gaming centre, while a four-storey, 103-room hotel is planned for a second phase of development, he said.
The gaming centre will be built with the ability to connect to the proposed hotel.
“There’ll be a side entrance as it (the hotel) is to the side. I’m going to suggest access to the hotel will be on the Shell side of the road. The gaming facility will be to the far end, backing up to the Garage Furniture Company.”
Quinn said the gaming centre alone is expected to provide about 100 jobs.
Regarding the potential for addictions and accompanying social problems, he said:
“That’s there and it’s happening anyways. We’re analyzing patrons from Kamloops and Vernon; over 30 per cent are coming from Salmon Arm. We know the clientele are out there. It’s no different from the bars and lounges around that serve liquor.”
He notes that concerns about the potential for an increased police presence were brought to city council but, when police were asked, they said there was no information to support that. At gaming centres in Kamloops and Vernon, calls for police have not increased, he said.
The gaming centre will help capture shopping dollars, he predicts.
“Is it a great thing for the city? I think it’s a good thing. Those people going to Vernon and Kamloops, they’re not only spending money, they’re shopping there,” he said.
The proposal came to Salmon Arm council in August. At that time, council members did not object, commenting that while a gaming centre might not be their first choice, it would be an improvement over what now exists.