BCLC was incorporated on Oct. 25, 1984 and is continued as a Crown corporation under the Gaming Control Act of BC (2002). Under current provincial gaming legislation, we conduct, manage and operate lottery, casino, community gaming and eGaming in BC.

Government chose to operate gaming through a Crown to both meet the requirements of the Criminal Code of Canada, and to carefully balance the objective of revenue generation with the objectives of social responsibility, gaming security and integrity.

The Province has authorized BCLC to relocate BCLC's gaming facilities for business reasons, in accordance with provincial policy, the Gaming Control Act and the Gaming Control Regulations.¹ (the "Regulations")

There is no application process for a gaming facility relocation. BCLC manages the gaming marketplace in British Columbia. BCLC initiates the process and undertakes gaming facility relocations at its discretion, based on business principles.

Below is a general description of the process BCLC undertakes for the relocation of a gaming facility. However, in each case, at BCLC's discretion, the process and timing of various aspects of the process may vary. All relocations must be completed by BCLC in accordance with provincial policy and the relevant provisions of the Gaming Control Act and the Regulations.

This process replaces all previous published processes.

Market Analysis and Selection of Service Provider and Site

The first step in a facility relocation is BCLC's identification of a desirable relocation opportunity. If a suitable relocation opportunity is identified, BCLC contacts the Municipality, Regional District or First Nation with authority over land use planning (referred to as a "Local Government") in the preferred market area to determine whether the Local Government is interested in hosting a relocated gaming facility. The size of a preferred market area and number of potential host Local Governments varies at BCLC's discretion depending on BCLC's assessment of the marketplace.

BCLC will be available to meet with a potential host Local Government in a preferred market area identified by BCLC (referred to as a "Preferred Host Local Government") to provide information on the process and discuss matters such as potential sites and public input and consultation requirements related to a relocated gaming facility.

In addition to identifying a Preferred Host Local Government, the Corporation contacts the gaming service provider at the casino or community gaming center that BCLC is considering relocating (referred to as the "Service Provider") to discuss whether the Service Provider is interested in providing operational services at a relocated gaming facility.

If a Service Provider is interested in providing operational services at a relocated gaming facility BCLC will ask the Service Provider to submit a preliminary business plan to BCLC. The preliminary business plan must meet BCLC's objectives for a relocation project in the preferred market area identified by BCLC.

The Corporation will ultimately base its decision on whether to proceed with a gaming facility relocation on factors the Corporation considers relevant, including:

	BCLC's business case analysis;
	The Service Provider's preliminary business plan;
	The appeal of the Service Provider's business plan to BCLC and the Preferred Host Local Government; and
	Demonstrated ability by the Service Provider to satisfactorily finance the project.

If the Corporation is satisfied with the preliminary business plan presented by the Service Provider, BCLC will request development of a more detailed proposal for the relocated casino or community gaming center. The detailed proposal must be satisfactory to both BCLC and the Preferred Host Local Government.

Local Government Process for Approval and Public Input

Following its preliminary review of the relocation, if BCLC decides to continue with the potential relocation, BCLC will ask the Preferred Host Local Government for its approval.

Prior to providing its approval to BCLC, the Preferred Host Local Government must undertake a public consultation process which allows the opportunity for community input. The Preferred Host Local Government must also consult with other Local Governments as required by s.19 (1)(b) of the Gaming Control Act. The specific processes to be used for these consultations will be determined by the Preferred Host Local Government but must comply with the requirements of the Gaming Control Act and the Regulations.

Following completion of its consultations, the Preferred Host Local Government notifies BCLC whether it is prepared to approve BCLC's proposed facility relocation. The approval must be in the form required by s.13 of the Regulations. A copy of the approval is to be provided to any Local Governments consulted as described above. If the Preferred Host Local Government is not prepared to approve BCLC's proposed facility relocation then BCLC will not complete the proposed facility relocation to that preferred market area.

Objection by Immediately Adjacent Local Government and Dispute Resolution Process

The Gaming Control Act provides a procedure by which an immediately adjacent Local Government may file an objection with BCLC, setting out how the objector will be materially affected by a casino or community gaming center at the proposed location. Objections must be in writing and must be filed within ten (10) days of the objector receiving notice of the formal relocation approval of the Preferred Host Local Government. View full details of the objection and dispute resolution process.

Final Decision on Relocation of a Casino

BCLC makes the final decision regarding any potential relocation and may take into account any factors that it considers relevant. Prior to finalizing its decision and completing the proposed gaming facility relocation, BCLC must be satisfied that all of the statutory prerequisites for a relocation have been met.

¹ Links to the Gaming Control Act, Gaming Control Regulations and the Province's Directive are available from the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch website.