Citizens denied input on casino
Re: Paragon’s pitch to double size of casino floor arouses concern, Dec. 17
Democracy was not served on Dec. 16 when the Vancouver development permit board held a public hearing on Paragon’s new casino proposal.
Many people who called the city were told there was no hearing, and even city hall had no reference to this critically important meeting on their website.
Although about two dozen citizens concerned about the social costs of expanded gambling spoke strongly against the doubled casino floor space at the hearing, their compelling, well-researched submissions were virtually ignored by the development permit board. The project passed with only minor conditions.
When Vancouver decided to build a new public library downtown, three architects’ renderings were presented for the public to vote on.
Edgewater Casino’s monstrous and inappropriate design, by contrast, is being rammed down our throats.
In the interests of a true democratic process, the public should be given a proper opportunity to comment on the building design for this iconic and highly visible site by BC Place before we are stuck with this eyesore at the heart of our city forever.
HILARY REID, Vancouver
Original here. And to read Hilary Reid’s presentation to Council at the casino hearings of 2011, click here.