By Scott Roblin

Medicine Hat Lodge pushing hard to keep Casino by Vanshaw

Jun 13, 2017 | 5:27 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s been three weeks since the Casino by Vanshaw announced their intentions to pack up and move away from the Medicine Hat Lodge.

On May 24, the Casino began the first step of the relocation process with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.

Citing growth issues and a rocky few years with the Lodge, the Casino is looking to move to the South Side Events Centre and Squires Pub off Strachan Road.

With three years remaining on the lease, Lodge General Manager Raj Lokhande isn’t happy with the decision.

Young minds, big ideas: Elementary students learn about urban planning with 'Box City'

18h ago

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

“As a community member, as a GM, I don’t think I support the fact that anyone should just break the contract,” said Lokhande. “There’s a reason why there’s a well maintained contract.”

The biggest point of contention came back in January, when the Lodge locked the Casino’s doors after what they said was a rent dispute regarding the lounge space.

A court sided with the Lodge forcing the Casino to pay arrears, which has since been appealed by the Casino.

The appeal will be heard later next month.

Lokhande and Casino President Kevin Van Der Kooy had differing opinions when it comes to the South Side location’s ability to generate funds for local non-profit groups.

“The new destination where they are going, it’s half the size I think,” he said. “I don’t know the logistics and the square feet and all, but it’s clearly going to drop the volume and it’s going to hurt the charities.”

“We don’t anticipate on shrinking any of the number of machines we have, certainly the table games are going to be there,” said Van Der Kooy. “We’re going to take over the lounge that’s there, so we’re going to be able to give fantastic service to our customers, to our non-profit groups that come in and use the facility.”

Now in the second stage of the AGLC relocation process, members of the public are encouraged to have their voices heard online either in support or against the proposed move.

Director of Marketing and Communications with AGLC Michelle Hynes-Dawson said this process is vital to determine the best fit for casinos in communities.

“What other development might be happening in that area, or if there are schools around, or if it’s near residential, whatever those concerns might be,” said Hynes-Dawson. “And so, community members themselves and municipal leaders are the best to have that opinion, and be able to provide that feedback.”

Both sides said that while it’s a major business disagreement, there is no personal ill-will between each other.

Lokhande added the Casino was an investment for the Lodge 25 years ago, but is disappointed to see them pulling away.

“There was a lot of money invested to help him establish casinos,” said Lokhande. “And it was a mutual benefit, it was a win-win situation. But there was a lease, there was a proper lease put in together.”

According to Van Der Kooy, change is often difficult but necessary to move forward.

“Under these circumstances, I feel that the move is the best for all of the employees, the best for the charities, the best for all the stakeholders,” said Van Der Kooy. “It’s an exciting time for Casino by Vanshaw and we’re really looking forward to it, and with the community support we’re going to get there and we’re going to be better than we ever were.”

Those wanting to get involved can send their thoughts and opinions to vanshawrelocation@aglc.ca until this Thursday, before the AGLC will review the comments and make a decision on the Casino’s location.