Surrey City Council was expected to hear from supporters and opponents of the proposed South Surrey casino Monday evening in what was expected to be a lengthy public hearing session on the project.

As one of the final stages in the project's application process, the public hearing (which started after the Now went to press) was a chance for anyone to sign up and speak directly to council about a development that's been the source of much controversy over the past few months.

The proposal would see a 25-acre development go up at 168th Street and 10th Avenue in South Surrey, and would include a 60,000-square-foot gaming floor, a 27,000-square-foot convention centre, a four-star hotel, as well as a multi-level parkade.

If approved by council, the casino/entertainment complex is expected to bring in around $3 million annually to the City of Surrey's coffers.

However, opponents argue that the area is the wrong space for such a development, and that it would lead to an increase in crime, traffic and a lower quality of life for those living in the area.

Proponents, on the other hand, argue that the project would be good for Surrey in that it is the next step in Surrey's growth as a major city, and that it would be a huge boost to Surrey's economy.

For a full recap on the hearing, visit us online at thenownewspaper.com.