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By Jordan Davidson

banned in 1998

VLTs return to Lacombe after 23-year absence

Aug 10, 2021 | 5:13 PM

For the first time in 23 years, the city of Lacombe will once again be home to video lottery terminals, better known as VLTs.

At their most recent council meeting on Aug. 9, Lacombe reversed a ban on VLTs that had been in place since Oct. 26, 1998.

This decision comes after a lengthy process which included public engagement opportunities at the Lacombe Farmers’ Market, as well as a public hearing in council chambers Monday evening.

“The repeal of this bylaw shows that council is eager to help our restaurant service industry recover from the ill effects of the pandemic,” Mayor Grant Creasey said. “Restaurants and bars, if they choose to do so, now have the opportunity to benefit financially from VLTs in their establishments. Additionally, while VLTs do not benefit the City directly, the revenues generated do support many of our local community groups and non-profit agencies who play an essential role in Lacombe.”

Council voted 6-1 in favour of the repeal, with Councillor Cora Hoekstra opposed. During the public hearing, two people spoke in favour and no one spoke against it.

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Prior to the public hearing, three letters were submitted to the City, all of them against the repeal. One letter was received after the agenda was posted, and it was in favour.

The original ban was implemented after a plebiscite during the 1998 election (34 per cent voter turnout), which saw 1,147 votes to remove VLTs and 1,132 votes to retain the machines.

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

The repeal bylaw came after a Notice of Motion from City Councillor Reuben Konnik, who asked for the original bylaw to be reviewed, citing a desire to better support local businesses.