BCLC has provided Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd. with preliminary approval to relocate the Newton Community Gaming Centre in Surrey to the current site of the Delta Town and Country Inn.

According to a release made public Thursday morning, BCLC made this decision after listening to the community and the clear feedback from the Corporation of Delta that the only suitable site on which it would consider a gambling and entertainment facility at this time is the Delta Town and Country Inn.

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“This is due to the site’s distance from residential neighborhoods, access via major transportation corridors and alignment with Delta’s tourism strategy,” said BCLC in their statement. “In light of this feedback, BCLC and its third-party specialized advisory consultant undertook a detailed analysis of this location utilizing existing player data. This analysis shows that the Delta Town and Country Inn site will capture incremental revenue, with minimal impacts to adjacent gambling facilities in Richmond, Surrey and New Westminster.”

BCLC said Gateway Casinos will now develop a proposal detailing the size, scope and amenities of a gambling and entertainment facility at the Delta Town and Country Inn. Once BCLC approves the facility proposal, it will be submitted to the Corporation of Delta for its consideration.

“BCLC respects the authority of local governments to choose whether they want a gambling facility in their community,” continues the statement. “Throughout this process, BCLC is committed to engaging with stakeholders and the public to incorporate their feedback into these plans.”