B.C. reserve site of casino-resort plan

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Beecher Bay reserve may become the new gambling centre of the West Coast.

The small, 120-member band located near Victoria is the target of an Hawaiian consortium called American Gateway. The Washington-based investment company has proposed building a $250 million casino and resort development on the reserve. The resort would include a hotel, casino, marina expansion and a renovated housing subdivision for band members on the reserve.

Nearby Metchosin residents aren't too pleased with the proposal. Mayor John Ranns told media the community is concerned about the casino-resort complex being built on its border with the Beecher Bay band.

The development would conflict with efforts to maintain a quiet community in the rural surroundings, Ranns said.

Beecher Bay Chief Patty Chipps answered his concerns by denying the band has arrived at a decision yet. However, she did admit they are serious about negotiating the proposal.

Meanwhile, the Nanaimo Indian Band is also considering a $40 million casino development on its land.

If approved, the development would result in the largest Native-owned gambling casino in Canada.

The growing interest in establishing casinos has prompted the formation of the B.C. First Nations Gaming Committee. Native leaders say provincial commissions has no jurisdiction over reserves, which are on Crown property.