They must consider what’s in the best interest of Delta.
That was a central theme conveyed by council Wednesday in its preliminary approval of Gateway’s proposed $70 million hotel/casino complex for the Delta Town & Country Inn site.
Following the conclusion of the public hearing at the Ladner Community Centre, which had just over 100 speakers over two days, council took a vote and gave the application third reading.
Mayor Lois Jackson and councillors Sylvia Bishop, Robert Campbell and Bruce McDonald voted in favour, while Jeannie Kanakos and Heather King voted in opposition. Coun. Ian Paton prior to the opening of the hearing on Tuesday had removed himself from the proceeding after he received an email from a resident alleging he would be in conflict of interest because he was also an MLA. Although Paton disagreed with the contention, he decided to step aside.
Saying she has great faith in Delta police, Jackson said the decision was not based on simply revenue, and that the advantages and disadvantages were carefully analyzed.
Also noting how Delta “had nothing” when she was first elected to council back in the early 1970s, Jackson said, “If we have a casino here, that does not make us not a farming community.”
Although more people at the hearing spoke in opposition than support, Campbell said he can’t just base his decision on emotion or raw numbers. He noted the parks, recreation and culture department already takes up 25 per cent of the city’s budget but there’s a long list of unfunded projects.
“As we heard, that’s not enough. People want more. The casino will provide some of that revenue,” he said.
Campbell also said the economic benefit will be substantial for the community.
Among his reasons, McDonald noted the Tsawwassen First Nation could have gotten the gaming facility, which means Delta would have received none of the economic benefits.
“The question is not if it’s coming, but where,” he said.
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Saying she takes her role as councillor seriously, Bishop noted she has to consider what’s best for all of Delta, adding she wants the revenue generated directed toward much needed recreational facilities.
Saying Ladner “is a very sweet community” and residents conveyed “compelling and heart-warming” messages what Ladner means for them, King noted Delta is in a good financial state, thus it doesn’t need casino revenue.
Saying her role is to listen to the people, King added she had come full circle from her initial interest for the project.
Kanakos echoed those points, saying a casino “isn’t a fit for this community.”
The divide was loud and clear during the hearing with many opposed showing impassioned objections, citing concerns over crime, money laundering and addiction, and some called on council to either put the question on the election ballot or defer everything until the recommendations of an independent review on illicit gaming is released. On the second day many spoke about other impacts including losing the character and village feel of Ladner.
Those in favour talked about the economic benefits, including having up to $3 million in annual revenue for the city, the 700 jobs created as well as having a new hotel amenity. They also warned that the TFN would likely end up with the casino if Delta rejected the proposal.
Several on the second day spoke of Delta’s need for upgraded and new facilities, especially sports.
The hearing also heard from players belonging to the Town & Country’s tennis club who would lose their indoor tennis bubble. They called on Delta or the casino company to provide a replacement amenity for residents. They were updated by parks, recreation and culture director Ken Kuntz on Wednesday that discussions are happening behind the scene to come up with a solution.
Thanking council for its thoughtful consideration, Gateway CEO Tony Santo said his company values the opinions of the people in the community and the input Gateway received continues to enhance the project.
“As a proud members of the Metro Vancouver business community for over 25 years, we are very excited about this significant development investment and the first-class entertainment options it will allow us to bring to the City of Delta,” he said.
Gateway is planning to open the new Cascades Casino Delta in 2020.
