Editor:
Surrey has had a hard time overcoming its reputation as the car-theft capital of the Lower Mainland and a place where drugs and other crimes are prevalent.
Now, the first thing you will see after the “Welcome to Surrey” sign is a huge casino? I don’t think so!
I believe the reason many of us are not more opposed is that we like to gamble from time to time or we look forward to the food and the theatre that will be included.
I guarantee that every one of us knows more than one family torn apart by a gambling addiction. We might not realize this, because most people whose lives are destroyed this way are reluctant to admit it.
What a horrible example to set for the younger generation. Our children will become the future gamblers needed to sustain this casino and some will lose everything. At the very least they will lose quality time which they could use to be doing something worthwhile.
Easy accessibility to a casino is not a good thing.
Sharon Lightstone, Surrey
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Re: Non-casino wildlife preferred, Nov. 29 letters.
As a citizen of this community, I greatly appreciate the lively debate we are having about the proposal for a new entertainment complex in South Surrey.
Let me offer my view, and that of many more Surrey residents who are excited about this proposal.
A new hotel, theatre, convention centre and casino will provide good jobs for residents, contribute enormously to our local economy, and generate the tax revenue we need to pay for health care, education and vital municipal services.
As B.C.’s fastest-growing community, it seems to me this is precisely the kind of development we need.
Adil Jessa, Surrey
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Re: White Rock mum on nearby casino plan, Nov. 29.
White Rock council wants to make White Rock “a world-class arts and cultural destination” and yet they don’t think having a 25-acre casino complex on our doorstep is their concern?
They don’t even have the gumption to represent White Rock when Surrey asks for our feedback on the casino.
We elect representatives to be concerned about our community. This casino would negatively impact our businesses, waterfront, social ambiance and values. A report for the provincial government on Socioeconomic Impacts of New Gaming Venues largely bears this out.
Council, tell the City of Surrey we don’t want a casino on our doorstep!
Susan Lindenberger, White Rock
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The proposed casino reflects both a lack of vision and the ever-more-evident neglect of South Surrey.
North Surrey has or is going to have: SkyTrain, a new world-class library, a new city hall and an ever-growing SFU satellite campus. South Surrey is getting a casino?
What future are we providing for the ever-increasing South Surrey population? Instead of a casino, why not a UBC satellite campus with a world-class aboriginal centre, to name one possibility? There are many innovative projects we should consider. Let’s leave a worthwhile legacy for the citizens of this beautiful area.
I have great respect for Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts, but her council needs to recognize its preoccupation with the problems of the Whalley area is leading to a neglected and alienated South Surrey.
White Rock council’s recent statement, that the proposed casino is not their concern, is puzzling and probably just another indication that the small contrived boundaries no longer make any sense.
Mike Bickerton, White Rock