Paragon pitches new downtown casino plans in Vancouver

The developer behind a failed bid to build a massive casino complex in downtownVancouver has returned with a new proposal for a multimillion-dollarurban resort project near BC Place.

Paragon Development Ltd presented its plans at an open house on Tuesday night, the first public consultationsince the company's plan for the largest casino in Western Canada was rejected by Vancouver city council in 2011.

The new development at 39 Smithe Street will start next to BC Place and stretch all the way to the CambieStreet Bridge.Paragon, whichalready owns Edgewater Casino on the edge of False Creek, says the new site will hold the relocated casino, as well as hotels and restaurants.

JohnCahill, Paragon's vice-president of planning, said the area, sometimes known as Site10a,is in transition.

"I think a new neighbourhood is going to emerge out of it that is going to be very exciting," he said.

"We are moving forward now with a casino component that is 600 slots and 75 tables just like at theEdgewater."

But there are residents who aren't ready for a new neighbourhood,especially if it includes a casino.

Andrea Karr says the Northeast False Creek areamay be downtown, but it is still very community-oriented.

"I am just concerned about the type of activity the casino would bring to an area that is essentially a residential community," she said.

Ron Van Dereerden is concerned about how the development will affect pedestrians and cyclists.

"The stadium is already a blockage for pedestrian movement and that development seems to be expanding that blockage," he said.

On Wednesday, Public Health Officer Perry Kendall is set to issue a report on the public health effects of gambling.

Kendall is expected to discuss the balance between the revenues casinos bring in for public health and issues around addiction.

Cahill says Paragon is proud todelivergaming in a responsible way.

"We work very closely with VancouverPolicedepartment and regulatory bodies."

City council has already approved a new casino with the same number of slots as Edgewater, buttheproject still needs a development permit, which is expected to be issued atthe end of the year.