SEEKING SHELTER: Church opens doors when temperature drops, 3 FERNIE BOUND: Southpointe clinches provincial volleyball berth, 26 CARDS FOR OWEN
95
+%
Mom makes public plea, 10
'!** *)'"
,//$(&.-,.#
www.delta-optimist.com
NEWSSTAND $1
The voice of Delta since 1922
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017
Modest turnout for casino session Gateway unveils plans to public for $70-million complex at Delta Town & Country Inn site SANDOR GYARMATI
held afternoon and evening open houses Tuesday at the Delta Town & Country Inn to provide details on the $70-million facility proposed for the site. Tanya Gabara, Gateway’s director of public relations, and Laura Piva-Babcock, BCLC’s director of communications, said the afternoon session
attracted about 40 people, most asking about the planned traffic flow. The evening session saw an even smaller number. In total, only 75 people showed up for the day. One person, who isn’t even a Delta resident but plans to move back to the community,
SALE CUSTOMER APPRECIATION STOREWIDE
s g y a r m a t i @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .c o m
The turnout was less than expected for the official unveiling of a proposed hotel/casino complex in Ladner. Representatives from Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd. and the B.C. Lottery Corporation
told the Optimist at the evening session that he has no problem with the casino or location, but wondered about the impact on traffic near the George Massey Tunnel, saying it could be a “bit of a mess” until a new crossing is constructed. Noting what’s been presented is a preliminary design, Gabara
and Piva-Babcock explained to the Optimist what people can expect from the facility. It would include a new fivestorey, 116-room hotel and a 45,000-square-foot casino, which combined would cover most of the site, save for a green belt around the perimeter. PAIR: see Page 6
TAKE AN EXTRA
20
%
OFF
*
EVERYTHING
3 DAYS ONLY
DOOR CRASHER PRICES AS MARKED
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1–SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3
IN-STORE
This artist rendering shows the proposed $70-million hotel/casino complex proposed for the Delta Town & Country Inn property in Ladner.
Anonymous donor throws Tsaw. Legion needed lifeline SANDOR GYARMATI
s g y a r m a t i @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .c o m
The Tsawwassen branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has been thrown a lifeline. Set to close at the end of the year due to a lack of funds, an anonymous donor has stepped forward to provide enough money for the branch to stay afloat for another year.
President Gary Bain confirmed the donation was made under the provision he and the rest of the executive will stay on board for another year. “We wanted to somehow keep it open but I said we needed a lifeline. Well, when the Optimist’s story came out, we got it and we’re very thankful. A lot of people were very upset when they heard we had to
FRIDAY 9AM - 11PM
close,” said Bain. Operating since the early 1990s, the branch, which rents its venue in Century Square on 56th Street, has been struggling to keep afloat. In an interview earlier this week when news broke the branch was facing closure, Bain noted a drop in membership and an aging volunteer base contributed to the problems. He noted landlord
Century Group also came to the table to help out. The coming year will be a great opportunity for the Legion to rebound, he said. The branch, which is open to people who don’t have military backgrounds, has tried to set itself apart by also making itself a popular musical venue with a good stage and sound system. Bain said the Legion is invit-
STORE HOURS SATURDAY 8AM - 11PM
604-946-8232
ing residents to check out the venue and also help out by joining or volunteering. “We’d also like to get the word out we’d like more volunteers to help our vets,” he added. The Legion has been active in the community, raising a lot of funds for various groups. The branch’s popular toy drive last week, for example, raised over $5,000.
SUNDAY 9AM - 9PM