Edgewater Casino Relocation Plan Takes Shape

Paragon Gaming received an excavation permit to build the multi-storey car park for its casino and hotel complex in Vancouver.

The company is planning to build a $535-million casino complex in Vancouver, and while authorities gave the green light for the parkade, Canadian gambling laws still require the casino operator to get a development and a building permit for the gambling venue. Since Paragon is still missing those, investing in the parking facility seems like a risky investment.

Another parkade is being built nearby, and local gambling news reported general manager of planning and development Brian Jackson said that allowing the project to move forward now would limit construction disturbances in the area.

Starting fresh

Paragon is planning to relocate its Edgewater casino from the old Expo 86 site to a new location adjacent to BC Place. The project spreads on 675,000 square feet and includes a casino, stores, a conference space and two hotels. If everything goes according to plan, construction should be done by 2016.

The plan was approved in principle last December, but authorities have imposed certain conditions including hours of operation, the number of teller machines available in the venue and restriction to liquor sales. Paragon wanted to double the number of tables and slot machines in the new location, but officials did not allow it.

There is no shortage of gambling opportunities in Vancouver. In addition to the city’s casinos, British Columbia is one of the many provinces with legal online gaming in Canada.