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By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

23 years since ban implemented

Return of VLTs to Lacombe goes to public hearing Aug. 9

Jul 15, 2021 | 4:24 PM

Lacombe is one step closer to welcoming back video lottery terminals, better known as VLTs.

Councillor Reuben Konnik brought forward a notice of motion in May which suggested giving residents a say on their municipal election ballot this October.

Konnik claims a number of restaurants in the city have expressed interest in having VLTs.

“The restaurant industry, as you know, has been hard hit by the pandemic,” he explained on May 25. “We have done a lot as a council to support the restaurant industry during this time such as expanding on outdoor patios and so forth. This, I felt, would be another way for those restaurants that are interested in having VLT’s, to recover from the debilitating effects of the pandemic.”

A resolution to ask citizens via plebiscite was defeated at the July 12 council meeting.

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However, council did pass first reading of a motion which would reverse Lacombe’s VLT ban, implemented in 1998.

In the late 90s, such a ban was only possible after a municipality held a plebiscite to ask the electorate its opinion.

Lacombe conducted two plebiscites on the matter, in October 1997 and again one year later. A majority voted to remove VLTs each time.

The first time around, the vote ended up being 927 for removal, and 918 against. The sequel yielded a 1,147 to 1,132 vote. Council then approved a ban.

As per today’s Municipal Government Act, which replaced previous legislation regulating this type of policy-making, a bylaw or resolution passed as a result of a plebiscite may be amended or repealed under one of three conditions.

Another plebiscite may be held if a majority is in favour, and three years have passed from the date the bylaw has passed and the proposed change is advertised, or ten years have passed from when the bylaw was passed.

It having been 23 years, council can rescind the ban with or without advertising or further electorate input.

At the time, 30 VLTs were removed from Lacombe once council of the day had approved its ban.

A public hearing is scheduled for August 9 at 5:30. In-person attendance is allowed.