The people behind a proposed casino, hotel and conference centre in South Surrey have opened an online forum for residents to comment on the $100 million project planned for 10 Avenue and 168 Street.
In a message posted on http://southsurreyentertainment.com, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment promises all comments submitted to the site by Friday, Nov.16 will be included in a report to the city of Surrey summarizing the company's public information efforts.
"However, the site will remain active indefinitely, and we will continue to collect your feedback as the proposal moves through the public consultation process," the message adds.
The internet site went online Wednesday, Nov. 7 when Gateway hosted a public information meeting about the project at the Hazelmere golf club.
It includes links to news coverage of the project, images of the design and various documents outlining the Gateway arguments in favour.
The proposal has the backing of many in the local business community, but some residents living next to the site have expressed concerns about its impact on their neighbourhood,
Gateway and the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC), which regulates gaming, project the complex would produce $6 million in revenues annually for the City of Surrey.
Preliminary designs call for a 60,000-sq.-ft. gaming floor, 800-seat theatre, 27,000-sq.-ft. convention and entertainment zone, a 200-room, four-star hotel, four restaurants and three lounges.
The facility would occupy 18 acres of a 25-acre site.
BCLC has suggested the casino, if approved by the city, could be open as soon as late 2014.
A public forum, organized by casino opponents, is set for Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the Pacific Inn, 1160 King George Blvd., starting at 7 p.m.
The South Surrey Ratepayers Association organized the event. It says the mayors of White Rock, Surrey and representatives of the casino and BCLC have been invited to attend.