SEARCH NEWS:

 

Calgary Poised For Casino Strip

"Stampede officials are contemplating moving the gaming operation from its current home in the Big Four building to a proposed development on the Campeau Lands -- 2.9 hectares of former city-owned property on Macleod Trail between 13th Avenue and 15th Avenue S.E., directly across from the grounds and next to the Stampede LRT station.

"…In a joint venture, Calgary's Opus Building Corp. and Wam Development Group of Edmonton plan to build their own high-end hotel in addition to office towers, retail and residential space and a 2,000-stall parking structure.

"…In 1984, the land was identified in the Victoria Park East Area Redevelopment plan as a site for a wide variety of commercial and Stampede uses.

"Now, the developers are headed back to council for approval of a land-use redesignation that will allow for the multi-use development, including a gaming establishment or casino -- something that was not mentioned in the original land deal but was discussed at the community level.

"…[Stampede spokesman Dan Sullivan] said the casino is `not a huge money generator' and the Stampede -- which has plans for a $123-million, three-phase expansion of the grounds that officials hope will be completed in time for the province's centennial celebrations in 2005 -- could move the gaming operation to the hotel and get out of the business altogether.

"Mike Giammarco, the Victoria Community Association's director of planning, said the community is in favour of the Campeau Lands development, including the relocation of the Stampede casino.

"…[Giammarco said,] `This would be almost like a Las Vegas type of environment -- in the lobby of a beautiful hotel -- and Sam Switzer of the Elbow River Hotel is doing the same thing.'…"

< Gaming News