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International curling officials Linda and Daryl Kirton will be inducted into the local sports Hall of Fame A17
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Lucky draw for Chances: 5-4 vote for more slots Gaming centre will eventually go from 125 to 275 machines Kevin MILLS
new slot machine restrictions. A final reading, More slot machines are considered to be a formality, is expected at the next coming to Abbotsford. After a long debate meeting. Voting against the exMonday, a divided council voted to permit Playtime pansion were Couns. Gaming, which runs Simon Gibson, Henry Chances Community Braun, Les Barkman and Gaming Centre on Dave Loewen. “I’ve been opposed to Peardonville Road, to more than double its cur- the slots right from the get-go, on social and rent allotment of slots. The number has been economic grounds, not moral grounds raised from 125 as so many in machines to a public feel,” said maximum of 275. Loewen. Originally, the He said the social proposed slot inimplications could crease was to be be significant. based on available “We really don’t floor space. That know the true cost would have alto our communiLOEWEN lowed as many as ties from this type 300 machines. of gambling.” However, Coun. Bill He questioned exposing MacGregor said he was uncomfortable with that citizens to a form of gamdefinition, asking what bling where “the odds are would happen if im- stacked against” them. “We are putting this deproved technology could vice before a segment of allow for smaller slot maour population who can chines. “That number could ill afford it; from which vault forward with reduc- we should be expecting, tion of size of machines, according to research, a growing percentage of could it not?” It was proposed to cap problem gambling in the the number of machines years ahead.” He called it market deat 275. After a lengthy discus- mand versus social consion, a 5-4 vote gave sec- science. Like Loewen, Braun ond and third reading Abbotsford News
to the bylaw change and
Continued on A3
DUTY-FREE BOOST A5 New federal budget could mean more cross-border competition for Abby retailers
HIT MAN SCAM A3 Email tells of death order; offers to save life in exchange for cash
CITY CUTS VEHICLES A7 The city’s fleet of cars, trucks and other equipment has seen reductions since 2009
Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A9
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A17
Viewpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A8
Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . A23
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Chances Gaming Centre on Peardonville Road will see an eventual increase of slot machines, after a deeply divided council narrowly passed approval of the expansion.
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