Noise concerns will be addressed as new Penticton casino seeks liquor licenses

PENTICTON – The public consultation process for liquor licensing of Penticton’s Cascades Casino began this week as the new facility nears completion on the South Okanagan Event Centre property.

City building and permitting manager Ken Kunka said two primary liquor licenses are being sought; one for the casino main floor and one for the Match Eatery restaurant and patio on the upper and main floors.

City council heard yesterday, March 7, that general manager Michael Magnusson will address noise concerns saying "the last thing we want to be is bad neighbours.”

Magnusson said once the casino's audio-visual system is up and running, they will ascertain what a suitable noise level is by going to the closest residential buildings and making sure the music can’t be heard.

A traffic review has been completed by the city and no concerns were raised that the licensed area would create an increase in traffic. Kunka said any unacceptable noise generation can be addressed under the Good Neighbour and Business Licence bylaws.

The casino is rated for a total person capacity of 1,529 patrons and staff, with another 22 on the patio. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday to Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Total capacity of The Match Eatery restaurant is anticipated to be 396 persons on the main floor and 386 person on the upper floor interior  and exterior patio. Hours of operation for the restaurant are similar to the casino’s.

Kunka suggested the public consultation process involve neighbouring properties in an 100 metre radius, and perhaps larger, noting the proximity of townhouse properties across the street. Three site signs will be erected around the events centre property and notices placed in local media.

City staff will be seeking comments from adjacent property and business owners, with a view to bringing a final recommendation on the liquor licence applications before council at the March 21 meeting.

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