Swift Current to get new SIGA-run casino

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The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority has put a conditional stamp of approval on the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council's (FHQTC) plans to build a $22.7 million casino, hotel and performing arts centre in Swift Current.

The new casino will be owned by the FHQTC but operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), bringing the number of SIGA-run casinos in the province to six. All of the other casinos run by SIGA are located on reserve land, one on White Bear First Nation and three located on urban reserves in Prince Albert, Yorkton and North Battleford created after the casinos were already up and running. A fifth casino, to be built on Whitecap Dakota First Nation, was approved by the province in August.

Plans for the new Swift Current development call for construction of a casino with 235 slot machines and nine gaming tables, a 200-room hotel, a 700-seat performing arts centre and a 500 -seat banquet/meeting hall.

The FHQTC hopes to begin construction on the facility early in 2005, with completion slated for the spring of 2006.

The project is expected to be a boon not only for the FHQTC but also for the people of Swift Current, who voted in favour of bringing a casino to their community during last fall's municipal elections.

The casino development is expected to create more than 300 long-term local jobs and increase tourism to the area.