Calgary mayor issues warning to casino developers

Construction has begun on a massive casino project in southwest Calgary, despite a warning from the city's mayor that a deal still needs to be struck on access roads.

The Tsuu T'ina First Nation is breaking ground on the project near the corner of Glenmore Trail and 37 Street SW Thursday morning.

Mayor Dave Bronconnier said Wednesday theFirst Nationis being overly optimistic by starting construction before an access deal has been worked out with the city.

Until an agreement is reached with the band over land needed for the proposed southwest Ring Road, the city won't allow interchanges into the casino from either Glenmore Trail or 37 Street, said Bronconnier.

The Ring Road, connecting Glenmore Trail and Highway 22X, will run through Tsuu T'ina land.

"I think there is some risk to the casino operator in building in the absence of a permanent access to a site," he said. "Those who are prepared to take the risk, that's their sovereign right, they can lose money."

"Our issues, of course, are protecting the long-term access for Calgarians and we intend to do that."

A spokesman for the Tsuu T'ina refused to comment on the situation, saying only that the band has no concerns about road access to the casino.

The province approved the $30-million project last year.

The casinowill have card tables, hundreds of slot machines, a bingo hall and other games.It will employ some 500 people and have enough parking for 11,000.

Construction is expected to begin immediately.