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Casino complex a good thing for Surrey

The Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and Cloverdale Business Improvement Association support the proposal.

We have had several meetings with BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation) regarding Gateway Casino’s proposed South Surrey casino and entertainment facility and the effects it may have on the Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino.

Based on these meetings, the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and Cloverdale Business Improvement Association support the proposal and believe the City of Surrey will benefit from another casino operating in the city.

According to the information provided by BCLC, Surrey is losing substantial entertainment dollars to neighbouring communities. The added tax revenue and additional benefits from having a $100-million entertainment district in Surrey are immense.

In discussions with BCLC, we were informed that the current contract in regards to the support and subsidy for both Fraser Downs racing operations and Hastings Park racetrack in Vancouver expires in approximately one year. BCLC is currently working on an extension of this agreement for another 10 years – for a total of 11 years. When the agreement is completed, this will provide a more sustainable future for Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino. This information has been verified by the B.C. government and is good news for the Fraser Down’s employees and the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce /Cloverdale BIA.

In addition, BCLC is also working on creating a new sports bet marketing program which will be ultimately unveiled at the Fraser Downs facility.

The Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce and Cloverdale BIA support BCLC’s efforts to have two compatible entertainment facilities that can serve different markets, thus creating a stronger Surrey. The complex will provide a unique facility not available anywhere in Surrey, upwards of 500 new jobs.

 

Addison Hubert, president

Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce

 

Lyle MacMillan, president

Cloverdale Business Improvement Association