BCLC has moved into the evaluation phase of its Expression of Interest process with five out of six local governments, including First Nations, in Greater Victoria now having formally expressed an interest to BCLC in being considered to host a gaming facility in their community.
BCLC has received Expressions of Interest from the City of Victoria, District of Saanich, Township of Esquimalt, Esquimalt First Nation and Songhees First Nation. The District of Oak Bay has declined.
BCLC will now begin to assess responses based on a number of factors, including population trends, existing community policies, plans or zoning that permit or restrict gaming in a community, and estimated revenue potential in an area.
BCLC will take the necessary time to complete its assessment and expects to finalize its decision sometime in the new year. An announcement will be made at the conclusion of this assessment including details regarding next steps to determine the gaming facility operator (service provider) and public consultation process.
BCLC initiated the Expression of Interest process in October 2015 after identifying there is opportunity in the Greater Victoria marketplace for an additional gaming facility. The Expression of Interest process is intended to be an initial first step in gauging interest and does not constitute a commitment by BCLC or the local government to develop a gaming facility in a given community. It is intended to be a transparent, initial step in the process. Any facility proposals put forward by BCLC will require the local government to seek and consider adequate community input and other consultation requirements.
