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Penticton  

Mayor welcomes casino

Mayor Andrew Jakubeit is pleased the effort to keep the casino in Penticton has paid off.

Jakubeit said Tuesday that Monday's announcement by Gateway Casinos & Entertainment regarding plans to build in the city was exciting news.

"We've always had a vision for the SOEC to be a premium entertainment destination," said the mayor. "This is a business that has been here since 2000 that has been a good contributor to the community.

So to see a business grow and expand and invest $25 million is positive news."

Gateway plans to build the 45,000 square foot entertainment and gaming property, called Cascades Casino Penticton, next to the South Okanagan Events Centre.

The gaming property will be located between the curling rink and the visitor information centre, said Jakubeit.

The rink will have the same access, but the exterior will get a facelift. to match the new casino building.

The visitor centre will stay intact.

In addition to the $25 million investment, this helps to secure the annual hosting revenue of $1.6 million for the long term for the city. Another plus is this is a significant job creation project said Jakubeit.

The building construction will provide employment and 150 more jobs will be added when it opens.

The 150 would be in addition to the 135 people already employed, said the mayor.

The city worked hard to keep the casino in the city after it was announced its lease would not be renewed at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.

The Penticton Indian Band had also expressed an interest in getting the casino. On Tuesday, Chief Jonathan Kruger said the PIB has no comment at this time.

Community input will be sought before the project gets final approval from the B.C. Lottery Corporation.

The next step will be a series of open houses, Nov. 30 from 5-9 p.m. at the Penticton Seniors' Drop-In Centre; Dec. 1 from 9-11 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Sandman Hotel; and Dec. 8 from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at the Ramada to allow the public to learn more about the project.

People can also see drawings on the city website and leave feedback.

The current lease runs out in May of 2017 at the Lakeside, so the goal is for the new building to be operational in May of 2017, the mayor said.



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