After many Edmontonians spoke against the relocation of a Camrose casino to their neighbourhood, the city council declared its discontent with the plan. This week, the council sent a list of concerns for a possible casino in southeast Edmonton to the Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Commission. The letter has also been signed by Mayor Amarjeet Sohi.
At the start of the month, Capital City Casinos submitted an application to the City of Edmonton to move its Camrose casino property to southeast Edmonton. The new casino would be located on a vacant lot on Parsons Road and it would come with 550 slot machines and 25 table games, while also featuring a show lounge, theatre, hotel and conference space.
More Opposition
However, shortly after the news about a possible relocation of the Camrose casino, some charities and residents of Edmonton have spoken against the plans. Most recently, the city council has also announced that it sides with the community on the matter and sent a list of concerns to the AGLC about the impact of Capital City Casinos keeping its rural license even after a possible relocation.
In its letter, the council states that approval to relocate the casino to Edmonton without an urban license would not come with a positive impact on the local community organizations. In fact, the council cites that the move would result in a net loss in existing revenue to local charities, as it would mean that more casino properties are competing in the same area.
In addition to that, the council has also criticized the Crown corporation for its window of community feedback, which concluded on August 10, 2022. The council called the short period of time “inadequate” as it was to brief and it was held at the same time as the city council was in summer recess. The AGLC commented that it has received the feedback and it will now consider it before taking a decision.
On Wednesday, Mayor Sohi shared his concerns that a new casino in Edmonton would potentially divert millions of dollars from local charities. He wants to make sure charities are properly supported and that is why the city has opted to support the local communities on the matter and wants the voice of residents and groups to be heard before making a decision.
South Edmontonians are also far from happy with the news about the possible relocation of 60,000-square-foot gaming business in their neighbourhood. Neil Richards who is a local said that the casino would make the already tedious traffic even worse. He lives just two kilometres away from the location and believes that nothing good could come out of it.
Edmonton Casino Restarts Work
Starting from July 18, 2022, Edmonton gamblers have had even more gaming options, as Grand Villa Casino Edmonton reopened its doors. The casino is operated by Gateway Casinos & Entertainment and it has now returned with a revamped gaming floor. It is located on Rogers Place on 10204 104 Ave and locals and visitors can now once again enjoy its premium gambling and dining amenities.
Source: Antoneshyn, Alex “Edmonton city council takes side of community, charities in opposition to Camrose casino’s relocation” CTV News Edmonton, August 25, 2022
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Author: Yolina
Yolina has followed closely the latest development on the Canadian gaming scene over the past years, monitoring the land-based, lottery, and online offerings up for grabs. The dynamic nature of the local lottery and casino fields, as well as the opportunities lying ahead of Canada fire her enthusiasm for what is to come. A sports betting enthusiast, in her spare time Yolina could be found in her natural habitat – turning the pages of biographies and catching up on the latest stand-up comedy podcasts.