Casino patio will operate until 2 a.m.

By MIKE YOUDS

More than 500 casino-goers could be toasting their winnings — or drowning their sorrows — until 2 a.m. when the Cascades Casino opens next month.

Council voted Tuesday to override a staff recommendation that three casino patios be required to close at 11 p.m. rather than 2 a.m.

The decision marked the first step in considering whether to support three new liquor primary licences for the entertainment complex scheduled to open July 29. That means a notice of intent will be issued to residents and businesses within a 100-metre radius of the complex.

Planning and development manager Randy Lambright advised council that allowing later operating hours could create “a ripple effect of noise in the community.”

“It’s our opinion that there will be an opportunity for noise to bounce around up there,” Lambright said. “We do have neighbours — resident and commercial — and we need to be aware of their concerns.”

Coun. Donovan Cavers concurred with those concerns and said the matter should go to a public hearing.

Coun. Tina Lange proposed an amending motion to the staff recommendation in order to allow the later opening. The complex is located at 1555 Versatile Dr., adjacent to the Trans-Canada Highway and more than 100 metres from any residences.

“I don’t see that it will make any difference to the surrounding community,” Lange said.

“We live in a world of noise,” said Coun. Pat Wallace. “We start to manage people’s lives and we worry too much about people’s ability to manage themselves.”

The motion passed with Cavers plus councillors Arjun Singh and Denis Walsh opposing.

Since the usual 100-metre radius does not include residences, Coun. Arjun Singh suggested extending it to 200 metres. He figured it would be a prudent measure due to the uncertain acoustic effects of the topography. That also drew protests from fellow councillors.

“We have to be fair. We have to apply the same standards,” said Coun. Marg Spina. “Once we start changing them, it muddies the waters.”

The amending motion was defeated with only Singh, Cavers and Walsh voting in favour.

Mayor Peter Milobar recused himself from the discussion since he operates a store with a liquor primary licence.

If approved, the complex would be allowed to serve liquor from 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Monday to Saturday. Patio areas would remain open from 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Monday to Sunday.

The owner, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd., would also be required to comply with a good neighbour agreement.