Delta council on Monday evening gave preliminary approval for the proposed Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd. Hotel/casino complex. The $70 million facility would be built at the Delta Town & Country site in Ladner.

A public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 1 for residents to voice their say. The hearing will take place at the Ladner Community Centre starting at 6 p.m.

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The rezoning application includes the new hotel of up to 124 rooms, replacing the current hotel, a casino with 500 slots, eateries, as well meeting space on the top floor.

The B.C. Lottery Corporation estimates annual revenue coming to Delta would be at the top end of its initial $1.5 million to $3 million projection. The number of slots proposed is smaller than casinos like the River Rock Casino Resort and Starlight Casino, but more than some of the smaller gambling venues around the region.

The facility would have 800 parking stalls, while the road entrance to the complex would have the same routing as what’s now in place but with road improvements. A second exit would be available but only during peak times at the facility.

BCLC invited Surrey, Delta and the Tsawwassen First Nation to submit expressions of interest to host a new casino south of the Fraser. Surrey declined but Delta and the TFN expressed interest with Delta eventually chosen. BCLC initially “expressed concerns” about Delta’s preferred site, following Richmond voicing opposition, but later agreed with the location.

Delta’s submission described the potential facility as “a complete entertainment complex” and that it would be “a tourist attraction that aligns with the objectives of Delta’s Tourism Strategy.”

Noting the Delta casino, which has yet to be named, would be geared for a regional market as a form of entertainment, Gateway is hoping to begin construction at the site this fall with a grand opening in 2020.