Vancouver casino plans go up in smoke

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Las Vegas-based Paragon Gaming Inc.'s quest to build a casino in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, was ended by last week by city leaders.

Vancouver's City Council voted unanimously to kill the $500 million project that would have included two hotel towers, four residential towers and a casino with 1,500 slot machines and 150 table games.

The development was to be attached to BC Place, Vancouver's downtown stadium. The casino rejection won't halt a renovation of the stadium, which includes a new roof.

Despite Paragon receiving a tentative go-ahead to develop the resort last year, Vancouver city leaders decided to back opposition to the project from the community.

Paragon operates the Edgewater Casino on Vancouver's False Creek, the largest casino in British Columbia with 500 slot machines and 60 table games. The company planned to close the Edgewater once the new casino opened.

Pargon's CEO is Diana Bennett, daughter of the late Las Vegas gaming pioneer William Bennett.

Paragon President Scott Menke said it was unclear if the nongaming amenities in the development were also dead. However, he said Paragon would look to move the casino elsewhere before its current lease expires in 2013.