Massive new casino planned for Vancouver

Campbell said that the casino will be built beside BC Place and will feature 24 hour gambling options. Paragon Gaming, the Las Vegas based gambling group, will close its Edgewater Casino at the Plaza of Nations location and expand into the new location.

Should the project obtain city approval, construction is due to begin in 2011, with a potential completion date in 2013. The new casino will cost us$ 450 million, according to Campbell, and has the potential to create over 8,500 jobs - both directly and indirectly.

The casino will also generate a more vibrant downtown Vancouver destination. Also planned are two international hotels, retail stores, restaurants and much more.

The government is already expecting controversy by False Creek residents who may not warm to the idea of a busy entertainment complex being built right in their neighbourhood. The new casino is expected to overshadow the province's biggest casino, River Rock in terms of size.

"During the Olympic Winter Games, the streets of Vancouver were alive with the Olympic spirit - and we hope this entertainment complex will help recapture some of that excitement," said Campbell.