VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 20 (UPI) -- A $500 million expansion of a Canadian casino on Vancouver's waterfront was unanimously rejected by the city council despite backing by the province.
After eight days of rezoning hearings that filled the public gallery, the council voted unanimously Tuesday night to reject the proposal by Paragon Gaming of Las Vegas, the Vancouver Sun said.
Expansion had the support of the governmental British Columbia Lottery Corp., and the British Columbia Pavilion Corp., which operates the existing site known as BC Place where there are a modest number of slot machines.
Mayor Gregor Robertson said such a major gambling presence didn't fit with Vancouver's image and goals.
"Enabling the largest casino in Western Canada in our downtown doesn't fit with Vancouver's global brand as the world's most livable city, the Green Capital, and hotbed for innovation, from clean and digital technology to resource management," the mayor said.
The city council indicated developers were still welcome to apply to create a mixed commercial and hotel complex at the site.
The rejection would not affect the BC Pavilion Corp.'s $563 million commitment to refurbish the domed stadium at the site and give it a new roof, the report said.
