Three business groups have banded together to voice their support for a controversial mega-casino development proposed for South Surrey.
The $100-million complex would be built near Highway 99 and 10th Avenue and would include restaurants, a hotel, theatre and a 60,000 square-foot casino.
The Surrey Board of Trade, The Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and the South Surrey - White Rock Chamber of Commerce believe a convention centre and entertainment complex in the area would be a benefit economically.
The groups believe having a venue to host major events in Surrey would attract big names to the entertainment complex and keep spending local.
According to the BC Lottery Corporation, Surrey residents spend $86 million per year in casinos outside the city.
"This is a significant amount of money that is getting into the car and driving to Richmond, Coquitlam, and even across the border to the USA,” said Cliff Annable, from the South Surrey – White Rock Chamber of Commerce.
The new casino would bring an estimated $3 million a year in gambling revenues.
But opponents, who have been vocal in recent public meetings, believe the casino will bring crime and eliminate valuable farm land.
The next public hearing is slated for mid-January and Surrey city council will vote on the proposal after that.
