Central Alberta's Bear Hills Casino & Travel Resort prepares for opening in spring 2024

Situated just off the QEII between Wetaskiwin and Ponoka, the Bear Hills Casino & Travel Resort is gearing up to welcome guests in Spring 2024, marking a milestone for the Louis Bull Tribe and the region as a whole.

The resort is expected to become a major economic contributor, offering over 80 full and part-time jobs in its first phase, becoming one of the largest employers in Central Alberta.

Recruitment for key positions is already underway, with general hiring scheduled throughout February and March, paving the way for comprehensive training sessions slated for April.

Erika Bull-Giroux, Director of Socio-Economic Development at Louis Bull Tribe and Board Director of Bear Hills Casino, said: "Louis Bull Tribe is fast becoming one of the newest and largest private employers in Central Alberta. We are seeking enthusiastic applicants who are interested in building their career with us."

The resort's inaugural phase encompasses a range of amenities designed to cater to both travelers and locals alike. Among its offerings is the Bear Hills Casino, boasting a lounge area and performance stage, alongside a Petro-Canada gas station, quick-serve dining options, and public restrooms, situated along a 124km stretch of highway between Lacombe and Leduc, addressing a longstanding service gap in the region.

At the heart of the casino lies a gaming experience featuring 200 slot machines, 10 table games, a lounge for patrons to unwind, and live entertainment.

Gordon Rauscher, President and CEO of Bear Hills Casino & Travel Resort, said: "The opening of the Bear Hills Casino this coming spring is a great achievement for the Louis Bull Tribe, and will also bring a significant amount of economic activity to the Maskwacis and Wetaskiwin regions."

The site, which ground in October 2022, will continue to be developed in phases over the coming years. Once complete, it will include an event center, a hotel, a cultural center, restaurants, and more.

Once it opens, the complex will become the sixth First Nations-owned gaming property in the province of Alberta and the first one on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway. It is located 60 km south of the Edmonton International Airport.