Public health strategy needed for expanded Vancouver casino
Posted December 16, 2013 6:38 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The City of Vancouver will require a public health strategy for an expanded casino.
Paragon Gaming’s proposal has been given conditional approval by the Development Permit Board.
The health strategy must meet the standards of the provincial medical health officer.
In an emailed statement, Mayor Gregor Robertson says today’s decision will ensure concerns raised over gambling will be addressed. “I’m pleased to see the DP Board direction to the applicant to develop a management plan that will address Dr. Kendall’s recommendations, including issues such as access to alcohol, the availability and number of ATMs at the casino, and the need for a public health strategy to minimize risk and harm.”
City council must now vote on the issue.
Robertson says he will be asking City staff to identify other measures that may prevent the expanded casino from being built on the proposed site.
Gambling opponents are still worried. “We want them to look at hours of operation, liquor service, ATMs, all of the recommendations that Dr. Perry Kendall made in his report when he outlined how much gamling addiction has increased,” explains Sandy Garossino with Vancouver not Vegas.
She expects it’s only a matter of time before the province approves more slot machines for the expanded floor space.
