County seeks input on casinos
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The county is rolling the dice and seeing what residents think about the possibility of allowing casinos in the community.
Strathcona County has launched a survey asking residents to share their view on whether to allow casinos in the municipality.
In 2001, the county created a bylaw prohibiting casinos from operating in the county in response to a petition received from members of the community.
At the June 14, 2021 county council priorities committee meeting, Stagewest Hospitality asked the county to revisit the casino ban bylaw.
“Strathcona County is the largest demographic and population base in Alberta that does not have a gaming centre or entertainment complex,” explained Jason Pechet, Stagewest Hospitality president to council at the meeting. “The county has really looked at facilitating tourism and building up all the different amenities that are needed to driver leisure and corporate tourism into this area.”
Councillors voted 7-2 in favour of the motion with a report and public engagement requested.
During the Sept. 14 meeting, councillors approved holding a non-statutory public hearing to get input from residents on repealing the bylaw.
Repealing the bylaw means the county would not longer prohibit casinos in Strathcona County but would not mean that any specific application for one would be approved.
The county said if the bylaw were repealed, additional development requirements would occur before a casino could be built.
“There are pros and cons to these types of facilities, but there is an investment and I appreciate that you want to invest in our community,” Mayor Rod Frank said during the presentation in June, adding he would like to see an economic analysis.
In Alberta, slot machine revenues are split between the AGLC (70 per cent), charity groups (15 per cent) and casino operators (15 per cent). Stagewest Hospitality told council that local non-profits could receive millions annually.
Those interested in having their say on whether the casino ban bylaw should be repealed can take part in the short survey and speak to council during a public hearing, which is set for Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.
The online survey, which will run until Nov. 17, is available at strathcona.ca/casinobylaw or on the Strathcona County Online Opinion Panel (SCOOP) at strathcona.ca/scoop .
You can register for the public hearing on the bylaw by email at legislativeofficer@strathcona.ca or by calling 780-464-8014 the day before the hearing.
Residents can also add their names to the speakers list at the public hearing but those registered will be heard first.
To give a written submission to the hearing you can visit strathcona.ca/casinobylaw .
— With files from Lindsay Morey
