Semiahmoo First Nation gives notice it plans to take court action against the City of Surrey or B.C. Lottery Corp.

The Semiahmoo First Nation has given notice that it plans to take court action against the City of Surrey or B.C. Lottery Corp. if a gaming licence is approved for a proposed $100-million casino resort in south Surrey. Semiahmoo band Councillor Joanne Charles said the nation was not properly consulted on the project and faces an economic loss, because it too has thoughts of building a hotel, conference centre and casino on its land near the U.S. border. “We may not be able to have that option because this one will be located right there,” Charles told the Vancouver Sun. She said the area can’t support both projects. “We’ll take whatever legal action might be necessary to protect our legal rights and title.” Surrey City Council heard arguments for and against the project, with its 60,000-square-foot gambling floor, 200-room four-star hotel and 27,000 sq. ft convention and entertainment centre. The project requires city council’s approval before a gaming licence can be issued.