New major landowners in Terrace?

About 15 years ago Terrace was known as the "Forestry Capital of British Columbia". That changed about 1999 when Skeena Cellulose, the largest employer in Terrace (at that time), went bankrupt. The mill had seen a pretty rocky history since then ending in the last owners, a group of local investors, the Terrace Lumber Company (TLC) also going bankrupt. The mill was put up for auction and turned into scrap. So for the past year or so Terrace has had this huge eyesore in the middle of downtown.

Well, this past Wednesday the local news medias announced that WestCoast Hospitality has struck a deal to purchase 20 acres of the old sawmill land with the option to purchase the remaining 53 acres. The plan is to build a hotel, convention centre and entertainment complex (read casino).
Terrace Standard article link
The Mix BC article link

I must caution - according to sources in the real estate market - this isn't a done deal. There's still things to be worked out in the agreement.

But to me it's some positive news! 'though I'm sure I wouldn't have any problems finding locals that would naysay the development (the high possibility of a casino and it's evil temptations).

I'm a middle of the road person when it comes to this topic - I see the positive impact that a convention centre and new development would bring, but I can see the negative impact that a casino would have on the unfortunates that have an addiction to gambling.

In my humble opinion addictions - whether it's alcohol, gambling, drugs, smoking - are not about to disappear. Not until we/society starts dealing with some of the underlying reasons why this negative lifestyle gets a foothold in our lives. A strong foundation of self-esteem goes a long way in the battle. I'm thankful that my addictions are minor and healthy.