BCLC is asking select local governments, including First Nations, in Greater Victoria to express their interest in hosting a gaming facility.
A Government of British Columbia Internal Audit and Advisory Services Review of BCLC recommended BCLC develop a clear set of criteria for gaming facility procurement. As part of its response, BCLC has formalized the process for local government notification and will implement it to gauge interest from local governments in this region.
The process ensures all local governments located in a region identified as having market demand receive a letter from BCLC asking them to express their interest in being considered to host a casino or community gaming facility. Local governments will be asked to respond in writing indicating whether or not they are interested in being considered to host a facility, as well as provide initial information about the community. Local governments may also gather community input and include a summary about this in their response.
BCLC will review responses and select which local government(s) it will contact as a potential Host Local Government(s). This does not constitute a commitment by BCLC to develop a gaming facility in a given community. It is intended to be a transparent, initial step in the process.
BCLC respects the authority of local governments to choose whether they want a gaming facility and will only consider pursuing development in communities where host local governments have indicated an interest. Any facility proposals put forward will require the local government to seek and consider adequate community input and other consultation requirements.
Local governments that host a casino or community gaming centre receive a 10 per cent share of the Province’s net gaming income generated by those facilities. This past year, the Town of View Royal received more than $4 million in gaming revenue from the View Royal Casino*. This money was used to fund library services and other community programs.
*The Town of View Royal shares its casino revenues among six communities: the City of Langford, the City of Colwood, the Township of Esquimalt, as well as the Districts of Metchosin, Sooke and Highlands.
