A casino on this site has been long sought by Asfar (here's the site) but discounted by many because of Victoria City Council's reluctance to allow gambling on this scale within city limits:An offer has come in for the former NOW Furniture building, 2269 Douglas St., and another is expected this week, both from casino operators, [Asfar] said.
The former NOW building is in bankruptcy, with the Volken Foundation as the secured creditor. There is no receiver for that property, Glover said.
Times Colonist, Aug. 1 2006:
City council voted in April [2006] not to hold a public hearing on a proposal from Asfar's company, Vancouver Island Entertainment Inc., to put a casino at 2269 Douglas St., a furniture store, and make it part of a hotel/entertainment complex.
Council's move represented a change from a January position whereby it agreed to hold the public hearing.
The city changed its mind when the B.C. Lotteries Corporation told council it had no plans to authorize a casino at the site anyway. The corporation has final say where casinos are located.
Mayor Alan Lowe said Monday the decision vindicated council's change of heart. "We knew we were doing the right thing."
Again, source: Asfar; salt: recommended.