BREAKING GROUND: Construction to get underway on fire hall, 3 SHINING ON DIAMOND: Delta softball standouts leading UBC, 24 ONE TEAM
Jerseys worn for Broncos, 17
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2018
The voice of Delta since 1922
Casino would receive tax break Proposed complex is in incentive zone, which could result in over $700,000 in savings 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
Should the Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd. proposed casino complex in Ladner receive approval, the $70-million facility would be eligible for city tax breaks. According to Delta’s plan-
ning department, the rezoning application for the Delta Town & Country Inn site is within an economic investment incentive zone established by the Delta Industrial and Tourism Revitalization Tax Exemption Program. It’s a rather wide zone that covers a substantial swath of Delta.
It means the project would be eligible for a municipal tax exemption for up to five years as well as a reduction of up to 60 per cent for building permit and other civic fees. A report to Delta council notes property taxes would be “frozen” at the 2018 level of $157,000 for five years. The benefit to the
developer would depend on timing and duration of construction. The maximum property tax benefit to the developer once the construction is complete would be approximately $450,000. Savings in municipal fees would be approximately $265,000. “It is important to note that
the property tax exemption does not represent a financial cost to Delta — it is forgone revenue that is anticipated to be offset significantly by the future property taxes generated as a result of the new entertainment complex,” the planning department explains. DELTA: see Page 3
Ice Hawks fall one game shy of B.C. crown
An outstanding season fell just one win short of provincial glory for the Delta Ice Hawks. The junior “B” hockey team dropped a 5-1 decision to the Richmond Sockeyes in Sunday’s gold medal game at the Cyclone Taylor Cup. The four-team tournament brought together the champions from B.C.’s three leagues along with the host Sockeyes. Delta advanced to the final with wins over the Kimberley Dynamiters and Campbell River Storm. Richmond needed a 5-3 win over its Fraser River rival on Saturday night to also move into the final. The Ice Hawks advanced to the showcase event by winning the Pacific Junior Hockey League championship two weeks earlier. They also were the top team in the PJHL during the regular season. Rookie blueliner Aiden Hansen-Bukuta from Tsawwassen was named to the tournament’s all-star team. For more details see Page 23.
PHOTO BY MARK BOOTH
Delta Ice Hawks’ Thomas Garey in action against the Richmond Sockeyes in Sunday’s gold medal game at the Cyclone Taylor Cup.
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