Bright lights or big money could replace barracks

Page 5

Big things are in store for the Tsuu T'ina Nation. The Department of National Defence is returning the land presently occupied by the CFB Harvie barracks.

Situated on the Calgary city limits, the land is ideally located for economic development. Depending on the outcome of zoning rulings, the Tsuu T'ina have a number of exciting proposals before them.

Beaver Land Productions has made a formal proposal to the Tsuu T'ina for the construction of a film and sound production lot. The proposed studio would occupy 10 hectares within a 20-minute drive from downtown Calgary.

The proposal is spearheaded by Larry J. Crane, general manager of Beaver Land Productions. Canadian film and video industries have already toured the site, as well as various officials and industry suppliers. The studio would cater to the expected increase in filming of major motion pictures in Alberta. The sound production lot would also make Calgary a focus for the music recording industry.

The most controversial proposal is for the construction of a Native-run casino, hotel and entertainment complex. The proposal could be worth up to $240 million and generate 2,500 jobs.

The potential revenue generating hotel and casino has many wrinkles yet to be ironed out. The first hurdle was cleared when the Tsuu T'ina voted to proceed on the project in a quietly held plebiscite Dec. 18.

The Tsuu T'ina are waiting on a report from Conservative MLA Judy Gordon, head of the Alberta government's gaming task force before any major initiatives are launched for the casino proposal.

City charities and bingo organizations are worried about a reduction in their revenues if players are attracted to the larger stakes at the Tsuu T'ina casino. There is also the possibility of an increased need for gambling addiction counselling and a decision on who will pay for the extra services.

The Tsuu T'ina are proceeding slowly and trying to answer all concerns in the casino proposal. Other proposals include expanding the existing riding stables and horse racing facilities. All proposals are being carefully looked at by the Tsuu T'ina before any final decisions are made.

The Tsuu T'ina Nation sits on 26,000 hectares of rolling countryside southwest of Calgary.