Penticton casino looks to expand

PENTICTON – Lake City Casino has outgrown its existing facility and is looking at options for future growth, including relocation.

The casino, currently housed in the Penticton Lakeside Resort, has currently outgrown its existing facility, Executive General Manager Jerry Pokorny says.

“We are always looking for ways to enhance our casinos. We’ve been speaking with developers, realtors and City of Penticton officials to find a new venue,” Pokorny says, adding the casino's lease expires in less than two years.

Pokorny says Lake City is looking at opportunities for growth and parent company Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd.’s strategy is to have integrated full service facilities at all their casinos. He notes discussions are ongoing to figure out what would be best for the Penticton operation. The size and complexity of Penticton’s food and beverage options are still being determined as well.

“Our strategic plan is to have expanded food and beverage service, in addition to a full service entertainment option,” Pokorny says. “We’ve looked at some options, but can’t say just yet where we are going.”

Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit says the city is open to considering all options with respect to what a facility on the South Okanagan Events Centre property might offer and would evaluate each proposal on the basis of what is in the best interests of the community.

"We have had conversations with Gateway Casinos," the mayor notes in an email.

The expression of interest proposal period for a hotel at the events centre facility closes on June 15. Jakubeit says he hopes some interesting proposals will be generated that could lead to a 'signature property and amenity that will greatly bring benefit to the city.'

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.