15 YEARS AGO… (Sept. 25 – Oct. 6, 1996)
Miller floats destination casino trial balloon
Deputy Premier Dan Miller hinted this week that the NDP government may reconsider its opposition to glitzy, destination casinos in B.C., saying that a "Monaco-style" resort aimed at wealthy tourists would help cure the province's financial ills.
Mr. Miller, who was handed responsibility for the B.C. Gaming and Racing Commission on Wednesday, said Vancouver's growing reputation as an international business and movie-production centre is attracting "high-rolling international gamblers who like those high-end casinos."
Two years ago, the NDP government under former premier Mike Harcourt rejected a proposed $1-billion, "Las-Vegas-style" casino, hotel and convention centre on Vancouver's waterfront.
Premier Glen Clark called Mr. Miller's idea a "trial balloon," adding that the government is "not opening the doors to American or other for-profit casinos in B.C."
However, Connie Fogal, chair of Citizens Against Gambling Expansion, called Mr. Miller's comments "the first step on the path to casino gambling."
Liberal gaming critic Kevin Krueger accused the NDP of abandoning its principles in a "desperate" attempt to deal with a budget deficit that could reach $1-billion this year.
Flash forward: B.C.'s first destination casino, the Royal City Star, a converted riverboat located in New Westminster Quay, opened in 1999.
25 YEARS AGO… (Sept. 25 – Oct. 6, 1986)
Campbell urges voters to reject spending plan
A proposed $67.3-million capital plan was the focus of debate as Vancouver mayoral candidates Gordon Campbell and Harry Rankin spoke at a meeting of the Building Owners and Managers Association on Friday.
Mr. Campbell urged voters to reject the four-year borrowing program, which goes to plebiscite in the Nov. 15 civic elections, arguing that the resulting tax hikes would force businesses to relocate to the suburbs.
The plan would cost the average homeowner an extra $64 a year, while property taxes on a commercial lot in Chinatown would increase by $530 over the four years, Mr. Campbell said.
Mr. Rankin predicted "Vancouver would stagnate unless voters approve the plan, adding, "there are things that need to be done desperately."
Friday's exchange showed the sharply contrasting styles of Mr. Campbell, a pro-business, tax-cutting developer, and Mr. Rankin, an old-school socialist known for caustic and bitter attacks on right-wing opponents.
The two mayoral hopefuls are vying to replace former Vancouver mayor Mike Harcourt, who is running as an NDP candidate in the provincial election.
Flash forward: In the 2008 municipal election, Vancouver voters approved a three-year capital borrowing plan worth $222-million.
Special to The Globe and Mail