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To the Editor:

In less than a month the Government of New Brunswick is expected to decide which of the four proposals submitted for a destination casino best meets the extremely specific criteria the Commission established to be selected as the first, and possibly only, casino in New Brunswick.

One proponent chose downtown Moncton as the site for its destination casino because, importantly, it would generate the maximum possible economic impact to the surrounding community. The Board of DMCI supports the downtown bid as we firmly believe it will be a catalyst for further development in the downtown area. There is only one appropriate location for this project and that is downtown Moncton. The reasons are varied and I will attempt to explain them here.

The Casino Market Assessment by KPMG in June 2002, commissioned by the City of Moncton, indicated that a gaming facility would reinvigorate the downtown core. It also explained that an active and vibrant downtown is seen as a centerpiece to stimulating the economy by providing employment and increasing tourism.

Moreover, a destination casino complex in our core would have a positive impact on the local economy by expanding the hospitality and tourism industry. New Brunswick has done a good job of positioning the three largest cities in New Brunswick based on their individual strengths. Saint John is the energy hub, and Fredericton has adopted the title of the smart city.

Moncton, I believe, is the entertainment hub and the destination casino would only help to enhance that stature, not only for New Brunswick but for the Maritimes in general. We are indeed well positioned to be a destination for entertainment.

But the key to building on our current success is to develop projects that contribute to our growing economic infrastructure, as opposed to taking from it. Putting a destination casino complex in our downtown would assist us in building a solid critical mass of infrastructure that would support our current entrepreneurs and be a catalyst for further development in our downtown. .

Some people make the argument that a casino in the downtown core would attract unwanted individuals to our downtown. Just the opposite is true. Casino facilities are so highly regulated - continuous video surveillance inside and out and full time highly trained security throughout the complex - that "unwanted individuals" tend to stay away.

From the perspective of DMCI we are convinced that the development of this project on Assumption Boulevard between Westmorland and Lutz Streets will be the catalyst our downtown core needs to invigorate it for many years to come.

I can assure you that this project in our business district will eventually lead to potential new investments and retail growth. I am confident that if our decision-makers make the decision to locate this project in our core, we will see large chunks of downtown land which will be redeveloped.

Downtown land such as the former Beaver Lumber property (behind Assomption Place), the Hollis Lincoln Mercury property (on Main Street across from the RCMP headquarters) and the Highfield Square mall are all prime spots for something new. There is also space near the Via Rail station and behind the McSweeney Building where Club 700 is located that could be redeveloped.

DMCI is committed to the continued growth and development of our core and that is why we urge our decisions makers to take the necessary steps into making this long time idea a reality and not a missed opportunity.

Daniel Allain

Executive Director/Directeur General

Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc.