Snuneymuxw First Nation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, marking another major expansion of its gaming portfolio in British Columbia.
According to the Nation, Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), a corporation wholly owned by Snuneymuxw, has entered into an agreement with Great Canadian Entertainment to purchase the Coquitlam-based casino. The property includes 917 slot machines, 37 table games, 42 electronic table games, Canada’s first Gordon Ramsay Burger restaurant, a 1,050-seat performance theatre, and multiple dining and nightlife venues.
Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum, said the agreement supports Snuneymuxw’s long-term economic goals. “This latest agreement reinforces the strategy we’re executing and the proven results we’ve achieved across our gaming portfolio,” Wyse said. He added that the acquisition represents another step toward economic self-determination and long-term financial independence.
The purchase is the Nation’s fifth major casino agreement in the past 12 months, following acquisitions of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria, along with purchase agreements involving River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge.
According to the Nation, the series of deals positions PDG to become one of the largest casino operators in British Columbia and Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned gaming operator by revenue once the transactions are completed.
Erralyn Joseph, president of PDG, said the agreement reflects decades of economic development work. “Over the last 10 years, PDG has grown from three companies to 13,” Joseph said, adding the organization will continue to pursue growth through a measured and strategic approach.
PDG chief executive officer Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun, said Great Canadian Casino Vancouver has long played an important role in the Coquitlam economy. He said the Nation is committed to ensuring those benefits continue as ownership transitions.
Great Canadian Entertainment CEO Matthew Anfinson said the company is confident the casino will continue to thrive under Snuneymuxw ownership. He credited staff and the surrounding community for the property’s success and said the company is pleased to pass the business to the Nation.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including approval under the federal Competition Act.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. are advising PDG on the deal, while McMillan LLP is acting as legal counsel for Great Canadian Entertainment.
Snuneymuxw First Nation is part of the Coast Salish People and is based in Nanaimo. Its traditional territory includes areas along eastern Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Fraser River, Burrard Inlet, and Howe Sound. The Nation’s business arm, PDG, oversees a diversified portfolio spanning gaming, forestry, hospitality, tourism, real estate, transportation, and retail.
Great Canadian Entertainment operates gaming and entertainment properties across Canada and employs more than 7,500 people nationwide.
