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Arcade still hopes to play in New Westminster

It remains to be seen whether it’s game on for a businessman hoping to open a retro amusement arcade in the Royal City. On Feb. 19, city council will consider a temporary use permit for 457 East Columbia St.
Retro arcade
The city is set to consider a temporary use permit that would allow a retro arcade to open in Sapperton.

It remains to be seen whether it’s game on for a businessman hoping to open a retro amusement arcade in the Royal City.

On Feb. 19, city council will consider a temporary use permit for 457 East Columbia St. in Sapperton, which would allow the building to be used as an amusement arcade. Staff is recommending approval of a two-year temporary use permit, during which time the city could evaluate the issue and consider whether restrictions on arcades should be reduced in New Westminster.

Anyone wishing to comment on the application is invited to attend an “opportunity to be heard” in city council chambers on Monday, Feb. 19.

The two-year temporary use permit would include a number of conditions, such as: no liquor service; no gambling; age-appropriate games; and operating hours of 6 a.m. to midnight. The McBride Sapperton Residents’ Association has passed a motion in support of the temporary use permit.

If it’s shown to be a successful operation, staff said the city could consider the business on a permanent basis near the conclusion of the two-year temporary use permit.

In response to complaints about noise, hours of operation and nuisance behaviours of patrons, the City of New Westminster adopted strict regulations for arcades in 1999. The planning division’s long-term work plan includes a review of the regulations for amusement arcades.

Surrey resident Brad Eyers has been in talks with the city for about two years about his goal of opening a retro gaming arcade that would feature games from the 70s, 80s and 90s, such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Burgertime. Previous attempts to open the business in downtown New Westminster and Sapperton have been thwarted by delays in getting approvals from city hall and issues with potential locations.