Carter Haydu
Moose Jaw Times-Herald
Soon Casino Moose Jaw will serve burgers, nachos and similar fare in its expanded lounge area, which is currently under construction.
"It's all about customer service," said Casino Regina and Moose Jaw Director of Facilities and Technical Services Greg Dureau on Thursday.
He told the Times-Herald the expansion will offer expanded food services, which is what many casino customers requested.
The project will cost $2 million and see an expansion of the casino's west side by 56 square metres. The new lounge will offer more seating as well, with benches along the north and south walls.
While construction is underway, Dureau said the casino is making the transition as seamless as possible for customers. The lounge area is currently blocked off with food and drinks temporarily served in the coat-check area.
Although he isn't sure what the exact increase would be, Dureau said the new food and beverage area would likely result in a few more full-time positions added to the casino's current 120-person crew.
He added expansion will also result in offices, washrooms and meeting rooms for staff above the lounge, as well as an extended locker room.
Dominion Construction was contracted for the project, which Dureau said would likely end in November or December.
In the fall, the gambling floor will get a new carpet as well and seating throughout the casino will be switched. However, Dureau said there would be no change in the number of table or slot games as a result of expansion.
As with the rest of the casino, the expanded area will consist of a steel frame, with a brick exterior.
Because of all the internal fibre optics and other wiring associated with the gaming facility's security system, Dureau said there are some special treatments necessary when expanding a casino.
However, he added its nothing an electrician or Casino Regina and Moose Jaw's own technical staff can't handle.
Carter Haydu can be reached at 691-1265.

