By James Wood

“No final determination” for casino move, says Southside director

Nov 6, 2017 | 12:19 PM

MEDICINE HAT, ALTA- The next move for Medicine Hat’s casino appears to still be up in the air.

On Friday, CHAT News reported that Casino by Vanshaw and the Box Springs Business Park have been in negotiations for the past year. Both entities have been discussing the move of the casino into the Box Springs area, with the likely parcel of land located along the Trans-Canada Highway south of the Canalta Centre.

However, the move northwest from their current location at the Medicine Hat Lodge could impact another space in the city, as the casino had previously announced a shift to the Southside Events Centre back in the summer.

Reached for comment on the matter, Ronald Baba, a local lawyer and member of business’s board of directors, wouldn’t discuss the negotiations between the centre and the casino in detail. However, he did confirm that there was no “final determination” yet reached.

“They (Casino by Vanshaw) are people with free will,” said Baba.

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Baba also touched on the renovations being made at the centre to prepare for the casino’s shift into the building. While he believed the renovations were now finished, he stated that the move by Vanshaw up to Box Springs would negatively impact the Southside Events Centre, as well as lead to job losses.

“Certainly, that’s not our aim,” said Baba.

He did not have an exact number for the possible job losses.

“I think it’s obvious that a very substantial amount of money has been put in here, into the renovations,” said Baba.

As for when a decision could be made in the negotiations between the casino and the centre, Baba indicated it was out of his hands.

“That’s really not in my control right now,” said Baba.

“Quite frankly, i don’t think it’s in any single entities control right now. It would be a number of parties, who are negotiating at this point.”

He indicated the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) would make the final decision on a new location for the casino.

“No final decisions have been made, and we remain flexible in our discussions,” said Baba.