MEDICINE HAT, AB — The casino at the Medicine Hat Lodge officially has a new name.
The new ownership group announced on Wednesday that the former Casino by Vanshaw will now be known as the Copper Coulee Casino.
“We looked at a couple of different opportunities,” said owner Albert Stark on Thursday. “The copper coulees in our area are a part of Medicine Hat and a part of our heritage here, so we thought it would be a great fit for us.”
For the past month, a social media account (@WhattheFoxMH) had appeared to give residents hints about a big change coming to the city. Billboards with the message were also seen around town.
Stark says the fox is in reference to the swift fox, a native species that was declared locally extinct at one point, but has been spotted again near Medicine Hat.
Last week, a group consisting of Stark, Canalta, and Stage West Hospitality announced they had purchased the Casino by Vanshaw. The casino will remain in the lodge for the next six years, but is expected to move to Box Springs by 2024.
Stark says he believes the rebrand will breathe new life into the casino, noting they;re looking to attract younger people and more women to the casino.
“It’s under completely different management, a different ownership,” he said. “Part of that process is to reinsert ourselves into the Medicine Hat market.
“I believe change is good for the casino. It’s had a bit of a stormy past, so we’re looking forward to a very peaceful continuation of this business. For years, Vanshaw had a foothold, the only casino in Mediicne Hat, so we’re looking to build from that foundation.”
The rebrand will also extend to Elements Lounge, which will be known as Cu (pronounced See-you, also the symbol for copper on the periodic table) Elements Lounge. Stark says the lounge will also feature a new menu.
Renovations are scheduled to get underway next week, though the casino will remain open. A grand opening will take place January 18-19.
