Friday, January 17, 1997 — Nozth Shore News — 7 N. Shore casino connection David itcheil a second opinion ONLY a couple of years ago, it seemed that the idea of build- ing large-scale Las Vegas style casinos in British Columbia was dead. After flying a few tial bal- loons and gauging the nega- tive public reaction, former NDP Premier Mike Harcourt said no to expanded gambling, including video lottery termi- casino complex, there's bound to be resistance and outrage. The vovernment will argue that these new gaming activi- nes will cater largely to wealthy “high-roller” tourists, who are appareatly eager to part with their cash. But we know that this just isn’: so. The experience in all other North American jurisdictions shows that large-scale glitzy casinos feed primarily off locals, and often those who can least afford to come up with the disposable income required to feed their punish- ing gambling addictions. In fact, when you consider the long-term social costs asso- ciated with a massive expan- sion of gambling activities —~ loan-sharking, family break- downs, prostitution, compul- sive wagering —— the short- term benefits seem rather mea- the smal} number of chantry casinos which now serve as one of the most effective and dependable forms of fund-rais- ing for a wide vaziery of deserving cominunity and social grouns. A large-scale casino of the Las Vegas or Monte Carlo variety could have a devastating impact on our charity casinas. How dees the NDP plan to get away with their bold gamble on gambling? B.C."s governing party is already bitterly divided on the issue, with many long-time New Democrats appalled that such a move is being seriously considered. Asa result, Premier Clark will need to demonstrate some deft management skills if he hopes to keep his party united with its narrow domination of the provincial legistarure. This area. This narrows the options considerably and raises the spectre of a North Shore con- nection ro the NDP's plans. The Squamish Naton has been aggressively secking opportunities for economic development and have been very keen to develop a casino on their reserve lands in North Vancouver, adjacent to the Lions Gate Bridge. Their pro- posal is one of the few diat makes any sense for the provincial government, but its ment will be hotly debated in the larger community. How do you feel about the North Shore leading the way with the casino craze? — The North Shore News believes strongly in freedom of speech and the right of all sides in a debate to be heard. The columnists published in the News present differing points of view, but those views are not necesrily those of the newspa- per itse if. Georgia Interiors - | CLEARANCE CENTRE) Georgia Interiors ‘SHOWROOM vi off . 2210 Cambie St. at 6th Ave., Vancouver 875-0045 Mon.-Thurs. 10-6, Fri: 10-8, Sat.: 10-5, Sun.: 12-5: nals. Just prior to last year's provincial election, Premier Glen Clark appeared to reiter- ate B.C.’s aversion to big-time for-profit gambling. But as cit- izens’ groups oppesed to bling five Thien predicted it’s not easy to drive a stake through the heart of this mon- ster. And this is especially true when a cash-strapped govern- ment is desperately thirsting for new streams of revenue that might help balance the Provincial boo! - Come to think of it, the real monster resides in Victoria. will clearly be one of the most politically- charged issues of public policy addressed by the provincial government this year. And many suspect that the only way the NDP can succeed with the devel- opment of a mega-casino will be to fol- low a pattern already estab- lished in other re, And when , you add the nefarious video lottery termi- nals, otherwise known as elec- tronic slot machines and often described as the “crack cocaine” of gambling by those who work in the addictions field, you have a recipe for unprecedented personal “The government will argue that these new gaming activities will cater largely to wealthy ‘high-roller’ tourists, who are apparently eager to part with their cash. But we know that this te 56 East: Ind (at Quebec Vancouver . A new review of gaming, hatched by Deputy Premier ’ Dan Miller, is expected to con- clude next month with recom- mendations to proceed with a’ significant expansion of gam- bling activities, including a. ‘mega-casino for the Vancouver area. : Why? a Well it has nothing to do_ with public opinion, in fact,” this latest gaming review isn’t Wasting any time seeking input from British Columbians. It.” has a lot more to do with the "political lust for a potential cash-grab of hundreds of mil- lidns of dollars of. additional revenue each and every year. But there are some huge risks for Messrs. Clark, Miller . ‘ and ‘company. Regardless of the location selected for a new tragedy, espe- cially among young people. It’s instruc- "ve that governments else- where are now trying to reduce or even eliminate VLTs now that their damaging effects are becoming evident. In British Columbia, another important casualty of. the contemplated spread of : for- profit gambling would be just isn’t so.” provinces: pur- suc a joint ven- ture with First Nations. At least a couple of dozen” native groups have proposed a range of casino complexes or gambling resorts on reserve lands in B.C. But the govern- ment’s objective of catering to : tourists makes it likely that a large-scale casino would have o ohe located in the Vancouv cr 95) # Lube, oil & filter change - Reg. $28.95 Pennzoil 10W30 ~ or 1362 Marine Drive nam Sa0piat time of year, instant RRSP experts are everywhere — clamouring to cash in fora couple of months. ‘SEVERE acaiihii STORM Your government’s Provincial Emergency Program prov les ‘assisianc victims of natural disaster. Direct financial support is ‘available uninsurable losses to help you recover from damage caused by the De cemb y 29, 1996 to January J, 1997 winter storm. ” The Disaster Financial Assistance Program administered by the Provincial Emergency Program: * provides funds to replace or restore items essential to a home, livelihood, or community service when damaged; has‘a $1,000 deductible with 80% of the balance (to a maximum of $100,000) payable to the claimant; and the following areas: The Provinical Emergency Program will be’. accepting disaster assistance claims from victims for damages resulting from the winter storm which occurred between’ December 29, 1996 and January 1 1997 i inf * Comox-Strathcona Regional District . Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District... Nanaimo Regional District Cowichan Valley Regional District Capital Regional District Powell River Regional District Sunshine Coast Regional District Greater Vancouver Regional District Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Fraser Vailey Regional District * : Thompson-Nicola Regional District from f Cache Creek Kamloops/Salmon Arm and south Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District : Central Okanagan Regional District North Okanagan Regional District Kootenay. Boundary Regional District Central Kootenay Regionat District East Kootenay Regional District is available to home owners/ renters, smal] businesses, farm operations and charitable organizations. At Midland Walwyn, we're true RRSP experts — ‘CHRIS Cc ARTER providing access to a wide range of guazaniced Financial Advisor and other RRSPs, through flexible, consumer- 925-5565 friendly Self Directed plans. For your free copy of our Investor’s Guide to the “Top RRSP Picks” complete and return the coupon below or call: Please send me the Investor’s Guide to the “Top RRSP Picks”. Disaster Financial Assistance does not caver lost or damaged property for which insurance is available. Claims will only be considered for uninsurable losses. Name Address Postal Code City Tel. If this winter storm caused damage to essential items, and you feel you might qualify for assistance, please pick up an Intent to Claim form from your regional districUmunicipal/village office, or Government Agent's Office if applicable. Plezse siL.tit the completed form as soon as possible but no later than March 31, £997 to: Midland Walwyn Capital Inc. 114 ~ 100 Park Royal West Vancouver, B.C. V7T 1A2 MIDLAND WALWYN BLUE CHIP THIN EENG™ Provincial Emergency Program 455 Boleskine Road, Victoria, B.C. V8Z 1E7 i Cc KING i kK of Midland Wat Capital inc. BLUE CHIP THIN! is a trademark of Midlan ‘alwyn Capital inc Phone: (250) 387-5956 Fax: (250) 952-4888 Member - Canadian Investor Proteqion Fund.