Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation, has entered into a definitive agreement with Great Canadian Entertainment to purchase Great Canadian Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam, British Columbia.
Chief Mike Wyse (Xum’silum) of Snuneymuxw First Nation said the agreement reflects PDG’s disciplined growth strategy and the confidence it has earned within the gaming industry. “The proposed acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver marks another step toward economic self-determination for Snuneymuxw, strengthening our long-term prosperity, financial independence and restoring an economy that thrived for thousands of years,” he stated.
The deal is Snuneymuxw’s fifth major casino acquisition agreement in British Columbia in the past 12 months. Along with the previously announced acquisitions of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria, and purchase agreements for River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge, PDG is positioned to become one of the largest casino operators in B.C. and the largest Indigenous-owned gaming operator in Canada by revenue.
PDG President Erralyn Joseph said the acquisition supports continued, strategic expansion of the Nation’s economic portfolio, noting PDG has grown from three companies to 13 over the past decade. “We plan to keep the pedal to the metal with a measured and strategic approach, smashing economic ceilings for the benefit of Snuneymuxw, the region, the province, and the country,” she said.
PDG Chief Executive Officer Ian Simpson (Yaatqumtun) said PDG is committed to maintaining the casino’s role as a key contributor to the Coquitlam economy while creating long-term value for Snuneymuxw and the region. “As we expand Snuneymuxw’s economic development footprint, we remain focused on creating lasting value for our Nation, for the communities where we operate and for the region as a whole,” Simpson stated.
Great Canadian Casino Vancouver includes 917 slot machines, 37 table games, 42 electronic table games, Gordon Ramsay Burger, The Show Theatre—a 1,050-seat performance venue—and multiple dining and nightlife options.
Great Canadian Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Matthew Anfinson said the company is confident PDG and Snuneymuxw First Nation will continue to build on the property’s success. “We are pleased to pass this legacy into the hands of Snuneymuxw First Nation and the vision they hold for the business’s future. We have every confidence that PDG and Snuneymuxw will continue to elevate this and their other properties for years to come,” Anfinson commented.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including under the Competition Act. McCarthy Tétrault LLP and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. are advising PDG. McMillan LLP is advising Great Canadian Entertainment.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/12/22/116919-snuneymuxw-first-nation-to-purchase-great-canadian-casino-vancouver
