While the Legion site has yet to see any real change towards its new future as Prince Rupert’s “Entertainment Center” some local companies have already had lady luck smile on down.
Marcan Construction and A. H. B. contracting received contracts for the soon to be started project. A. H. B, for the demolition of the old Legion hall and Marcan for construction of the new gambling, bingo and entertainment emporium
The 7 million dollar project is going to miss it’s window of opportunity for the 2006 tourist season and thus won’t be able to separate our numerous cruise ship visitors from their greenbacks, but by February of 2007 locals will be able to take advantage of the “numerous gaming options” available at the Chances Prince Rupert site.
The architects for the project is the Boni Maddison firm out of Vancouver and visitors to the casino in Prince George might have an idea as to what our local gambling venue might look like, Boni Maddison was the project architect for Prince George’s Treasure Cove Casino and Hotel.
The Daily covered the contract announcement on it’s front page in Tuesday’s edition, here’s the story in Podunkicized form.
LOCAL FIRMS AMONG $7M CASINO’S WINNERS
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Page One
Despite missing the boat on opening for the tourism season, the proponents of the Community Gaming Centre are ready to begin construction of the $7 million facility.
And at least two local contractors will be part of the demolition/construction project.
Chances Prince Rupert is being built on the property known as the old Royal Canadian Legion, said Craig Briere, business manager of the Prince Rupert Bingo Association.
“Demolition of the legion building has begun with preliminary work on the interior; removal of the exterior can be expected within several weeks with substantial construction beginning in the spring,” said Briere in a press release.
Construction is expected to last until January, with the opening of the facility to the public happening in late January or early February.
Boni Maddison Architects from Vancouver have been chose to head the design team on the project. Boni Maddison has done extensive work in Northern B. C. and has most recently designed the new Treasure Cove Casino and Hotel in Prince George.
John Marogna (Marcan Construction) of Prince Rupert has also been chosen to manage the construction side of the project.
“We are pleased to have a local construction team, especially one with tremendous experience in the North Coast and ties to the community, said Briere.
The initial demolition of the legion building has also been awarded to A. H. B. General Contracting from Prince Rupert.
In January, Prince Rupert City Council approved the Community Gaming Centre as well as the inclusion of slot machines, off track horse betting, electronic bingo, lottery and keno products.
The developers have proposed a 36,000 square foot building with 16,000 square feet of initial space for the Community Gaming Centre.
The Prince Rupert “Chances” will not only boast several gaming options but a full service food and beverage area, interactive video games, indoor golf simulators and many more entertainment options, said Briere.
“The Prince Rupert Chances Community Gaming Centre is going to be an anchor to the Prince Rupert tourism and entertainment district,” he said.
The Prince Rupert Bingo Association teamed up with the business partner last summer after the association, which represents more than 30 local charities, discovered that it was in financial trouble.
By offering new gaming options in addition to bingo, as well as non-gaming entertainment – such as live shows, pool, simulated golf and other arcade style games – Briere said Prince Rupert will be able to attract new players and increase revenues.
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