The Edmonton city council is preparing to formally challenge the proposed move of Camrose Casino to south Edmonton, expressing concerns about the impact on local communities and charities.
Edmonton city council has drafted a letter to the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis
The council has drafted a letter to Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) highlighting these concerns. This follows a previous denial by the AGLC last November. However, a new proposal was accepted in January.
If approved, the casino would retain its rural license, directing its charitable contributions to organizations outside Edmonton. Ward Karhiio Councillor Keren Tang, whose district would host the relocated casino, has voiced her reservations.
The city had initially maintained a neutral stance on the proposed casino news. Though, the city did raise concerns during the first application process, specifically about the move’s potential effects on Edmonton’s charitable sector.
“Two years later, none of those concerns are addressed,” Tang said.
She asked why the city should remain neutral when the proposal could negatively affect Edmonton without any action from the AGLC or the provincial government.
Local residents have voiced opposition, citing increased traffic congestion and a negative social impact on the community
Furthermore, local residents have also been vocal in their opposition, raising concerns over increased traffic congestion and the social impact of adding another gambling venue to the region.
“It’s a two-lane road, one lane either way, and it’s quite congested most times of the day,” Daxesh Dalal, a resident of the area, told Yogonet News. “I feel that adding another fuel to increasing addictions and mental health issues could lead to families suffering financially.”
Councilor Erin Rutherford of Ward Anirniq noted that while the land where the casino would be located is already zoned for such a use, she does not support the move due to the expected negative effects on Edmonton’s charities.
“This casino, as it’s being proposed, is a net loss to Edmonton, as opposed to casinos in general,” Rutherford mentioned. Neighboring communities could be potentially impacted since they rely on services provided by Edmonton non-profits.
Relocation could generate approximately CAD19 million in annual revenue
Moreover, the relocation could generate roughly CAD19 million in annual revenue, according to the AGLC. Nevertheless, local casinos are expected to see a 2-5% reduction in their charitable income.
Both Rutherford and Tang indicated they might reconsider their opposition if part of the charitable income from the relocated casino was allocated to Edmonton-based organizations.
“I think there needs to be a middle ground in terms of keeping part of that as a rural license, but a percentage that would make sure that the current charities don’t lose any funding,” Rutherford commented.
The issue of charitable income distribution has been a longstanding debate. Rural municipalities continue to advocate for changes they believe would better support their communities.
Tang added that Edmonton had previously proposed a model similar to the one used in British Columbia, where casino earnings are distributed to charities via grants.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said reduced revenue available to charities could lead to higher property taxes
Although such a measure would benefit said charities, no progress has been made on this topic. “We have not received a response. Nothing has changed on that front,” Tang said.
In response, the AGL stated that a review of Alberta’s charitable gaming model initiated in 2021 is still ongoing.
Furthermore, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi also weighed in on this issue. Sohi addressed the public’s concern about insufficient communication from the AGLC pertaining to the proposed move.
Sohi hinted that approving the relocation would reduce the revenue available to Edmonton charities. Philanthropy organizations are already struggling to provide charitable services.
More importantly, Sohi said any resulting funding shortfall could lead these organizations to seek additional support from the city council. This could lead to higher property taxes.
The Edmonton city council is expected to vote on the final draft of the opposition letter at its Aug. 20 meeting.
