Edgewater Casino employees spoke in favour of a controversial plan to expand the gaming facility Saturday, saying hundreds of jobs are on the line.
The workers attended a rare weekend hearing at Vancouver City Hall, the fourth so far on the hotly-debated casino proposal. Nevada-based Paragon Gaming is pushing the city to approve the $500-million project, which would triple the size of the Edgewater and make it the largest gambling complex in B.C.
Angelo Ma was among numerous employees who feared they'll lose their jobs if the relocation and expansion doesn't go through.
"Allow me to continue my career, to further develop the opportunities that were given to me and, above all, help me help others realize what they can accomplish when they are given the opportunities," Ma said.
The union that represents gaming workers echoed their statements and argued fears over the size of the casino are overblown.
"Currently in B.C. there are more than 22,000 slot machines at various casino sites," said Susan Spratt of the Canadian Auto Workers union. "The new casino would add up to an additional 1,000 slot machines, or about 4.6 per cent more."
More than 150 speakers turned out to the hearing, including dozens of critics who argued focusing on the economic spinoffs of the project is short-sighted. They worry the casino will increase crime in downtown Vancouver and breed more gambling addicts.
"Government should not be involved in preying on its own citizens to get a 10 per cent kickback," said Pastor David Bornman.
"There is a reason Reno and Vegas have become gambling meccas: there is little else to do there to create wealth," said resident Bill McCreery. "In my opinion, Vancouver has a whole lot more going for it."
Another hearing is scheduled at 1 p.m. Sunday at City Hall.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Norma Reid
