A corner of Squamish looked like a mini Las Vegas Monday (Feb. 1) during the grand opening of the Chances gaming centre on Highway 99.
Showgirls, mimes, acrobats, live music, magicians and caricaturists entertained as the centre opened its doors to the hordes Monday evening, welcoming hundreds of locals and visitors as they packed the new facility.
The licensed centre employs 62 people and boasts hundreds of slot machines, a state-of-the-art bingo hall facing a stage in front of six massive TV screens, VTL monitors at each of the hall's dozens of seats, two lounges and a patio facing a looming Stawamus Chief.
Earlier in the day, representatives from the Squamish Nation, Boardwalk Gaming, contracting companies, politicians and other dignitaries enjoyed private celebrations and presentations after roaming the two-storey centre, which is adorned with a miniature version of the Stawamus Chief in the lobby and numerous Squamish Nation art displays throughout.
Local representative on Squamish Nation council, Dale Harry, highlighted the positive attributes the facility brings to the local band members in an interview with The Chief.
"There's a lot of opportunities here for employment, entertainment and certainly one of the things that I've always said it's like setting a net across the highway and catching all the cars," said Harry. "The gaming centre does that and also the gas bar, which is supposed to be done in a couple of months."
Representatives from project partners BC Lottery Corporation, Boardwalk Gaming and the Squamish Nation, along with District of Squamish Mayor Greg Gardner and BC MLA Joan McIntyre took to the stage one by one Monday afternoon to celebrate the centre and its anticipated benefits.
Squamish Nation senior operating officer Toby Baker delivered an emotional address that defined the value of the project beyond revenue. On Sunday evening, the facility opened for Squamish Nation members only, and Baker said those in attendance did not spend most of their time playing games, but rather shared pride in what they've accomplished.
Baker honoured the Squamish Nation for "embracing progress" and the leadership the Nation is showing across the country through its "political identity."
"That is really the spirit that moved this project," he said.
Baker also acknowledged the growing relationship with the District of Squamish and its council.
"This is one of those projects that although it's not necessarily with the District of Squamish, you guys have embraced as part of Squamish and we appreciate that," said Baker. "If it's successful than all of the neighbouring stakeholders will also benefit as well."
Chief Gibby Jacob said the revenue generated from the gaming centre will go toward the 180 programs and services the Squamish Nation offers its 3,600-strong membership, 60 per cent of whom are under the age of 25.
"Our community is getting younger and we need these kinds of projects to generate revenue," he said.
Jacob acknowledged the support of McIntyre and Gardner, whom he affectionately calls "the old grey mare of Squamish" and "a friend."
Gardner thanked the Squamish Nation for the "great economic development opportunity" provided by attracting outside visitors.
"This is a big day for all of us in the community," he said, before pointing out the other Squamish council members in the room, Doug Race, Corinne Lonsdale, Paul Lalli and Patricia Heintzman.
"A strong Squamish Nation economically and socially is good for our community, and I'm very pleased to see Squamish Nation taking this step forward," said Gardner.
Lalli emphasized the anticipated impacts on business in an interview with The Chief.
"I think it'll probably draw people off the highway that might have stopped before," he said. "These sort of facilities do target tour groups as well, so hopefully we can get some of that and benefit some of the hoteliers that are in Squamish."
Gardner also pointed to the esthetic quality of the project's interior, which depicts numerous intricate and colourful wood and rock sculptures by Squamish Nation members.
"This is my first time seeing the beauty and quality of this building," said Gardner. "I love the way it blends into our Squamish surroundings with the wood and the rock work. I particularly like the fact that it recognizes and displays art from one of our Squamish community members, Xwa Lack Tun [also known as Rick Harry]."
Boardwalk CEO Jordan Gnat listed the time it took to build the Taj Mahal and Roman Colosseum before saying it took only 170 days to the build the centre, which opened two months ahead of schedule to coincide with the Olympics.
"As the world travels from Vancouver to Whistler in just about two weeks, as tens of thousands of cars drive by our front door, I have to admit that is just really cool - we're going to be right here."
