Casino design lacks panache

Published Wednesday July 16th, 2008

Months of anticipation ended yesterday when details of Moncton's new $90 million casino were revealed.

Now that the exact location of the gaming centre, hotel and entertainment complex is known, we can expect pro- and anti-casino groups to coalese. Don't be surprised if neighbours of the sprawling casino start to raise their voices about the proximity of gambling to so many churches, schools and residential subdivisions.

The design of the complex is another matter. We must say we are underwhelmed by the use of a lighthouse as the focal point for the casino. Is it chintzy? Out of place? Lighthouses -- as any red-blooded Maritimer knows -- are found along the coast, where they act as warning beacons for ships. The closest water to the new casino may be the wave pool at Magic Mountain Water Park.

Using a lighthouse as the design focal point for the casino seems to be misplaced in a location so far inland. It would make more sense at the waterfront casinos in downtown Halifax or in Sydney.

This newspaper continues to support the establishment of the casino in our region. It will be a welcomed economic magnet that brings much-needed investment, jobs and spin-offs to our city.

We just wish that with $90 million to be spent, the designers had been a bit more inventive on the beacon that will lure tourists off the highway.

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Nova Scotia already has a nautical-themed casino. I find this design lacks a lot of originality. Frankly, it seems as though they just took the easy way out with lighthouses. The overall effect makes the whole place look like a campy strip-mall.

Although maybe it'll be a working lighthouse. We could be like that god-awful mall they just built in Saint John.

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John Q. Public, Moncton on 16/07/08 08:40:57 AM ADT

Ah yes, sounds like a classy addition to Moncton... and so near a residential area. Yet another thing New Brunswickers don't have a say about.

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Anonymous Reader on 16/07/08 10:59:47 AM ADT

Lighthouse idea is CHINTZY.
Here is my idea: Mardi Gras...New Orleans theme, since CAJUNS are just ACADIANS. Would love a nice cajun restaurant and a sports bar in there too!

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