Snuneymuxw First Nation to Acquire River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge in Transformative Transactions

Article content

PDG to become BC’s largest Indigenous-led casino operator

Article content

SNUNEYMUXW (NANAIMO), British Columbia — Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation (Snuneymuxw), and Great Canadian Entertainment announced today that they have entered into definitive agreements for the purchase by PDG from Great Canadian Entertainment of two casino businesses, River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge. Upon closing and subject to regulatory and other approvals, PDG is expected to become one of the largest casino operators by revenue in British Columbia, and anticipates being the largest Canadian Indigenous owned gaming operator by revenue in Canada, cementing Snuneymuxw as a leading force in the province’s gaming industry.

Article content

Article content

Article content

“Our growing partnership with Great Canadian Entertainment has brought us to what was envisioned by our Ancestors and guided by decades of Snuneymuxw Chiefs and Councils,” said Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation. “By securing ownership in four thriving casino operations, we are realizing a dream of long-term economic independence and creating lasting prosperity for our people and the communities we serve. Nation-to-Nation collaboration benefits all of us. We respectfully acknowledge Musqueam, on whose territory River Rock Resort Casino is located, and the Katzie, whose territory includes Chances Maple Ridge. Snuneymuxw looks forward to continuing our conversations with both Nations and exploring the economic development opportunities before us.”

Article content

Article content

Building on PDG’s recent acquisitions of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria earlier this year, these transactions demonstrate the strength of the collaboration between PDG and Great Canadian Entertainment and the momentum of PDG’s growing gaming platform. These acquisitions mark a major step toward economic self-determination for Snuneymuxw, strengthening Snuneymuxw’s long-term prosperity, financial independence and restoring an economy that thrived for thousands of years.

Article content

“For over 20 years, River Rock Casino Resort has been the largest casino resort in Western Canada. Since its opening in 2013, Chances Casino Maple Ridge has been a cornerstone of the Maple Ridge community,” said Matthew Anfinson, CEO, Great Canadian Entertainment. “PDG has proven to be a leader in casino operations. We are delighted to have the opportunity to transfer the ownership and operation of these two important properties to the PDG team.”

Article content

Snuneymuxw is honoured to expand its economic portfolio to the mainland, with gratitude to the generations of Snuneymuxw whose big work and vision have made this milestone possible.

Article content

“PDG continues to advance a bold and transformative economic development path in British Columbia,” said Erralyn Joseph, President of PDG. “These acquisitions are aligned with our corporate commitment to restore a strong Snuneymuxw economy, one where Snuneymuxw capital, leadership and vision drive meaningful growth for our Nation and strengthen partnerships across territories. We extend our gratitude to the Musqueam and Katzie Nations as we move forward together in the spirit of collaboration, and we look forward to building new, sustainable and long-lasting relationships with the Municipalities of Richmond and Maple Ridge.”

Article content

Article content

“Musqueam is a leading economic contributor within our traditional territory, actively diversifying our investment opportunities,” said Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow. “We thank the Snuneymuxw First Nation for approaching us on an opportunity to partner on the acquisition of the River Rock Casino which operates on Musqueam-owned land. Musqueam and Snuneymuxw have reached an agreement in principle on a letter of intent. We will be working through finalizing details over the coming weeks as we meaningfully consult with community members. We look forward to collaborating on the work ahead.”

Article content

For Snuneymuxw, the move represents a transformational step toward self-funding and true financial independence. By generating its own source revenues, the Nation is creating the capital needed to invest directly into its priorities: projects that strengthen communities, honour its way of being and build opportunities for future generations.

Article content

“We believe that this milestone represents a major shift in British Columbia’s gaming landscape,” said Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun, Chief Executive Officer of PDG. “Under Snuneymuxw ownership, the wealth these properties generate will continue to fuel local growth and reinvestment. Guided by our snawaylth, they will deliver world-class hospitality and entertainment grounded in respect for the interconnectedness of all life.”

Article content

The closings of the transactions are subject to customary closing conditions and the receipt of all required regulatory and third party approvals, including required approvals under the Competition Act.

Article content

McCarthy Tétrault LLP is acting as legal counsel and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to PDG. McMillan LLP is acting as legal counsel to Great Canadian Entertainment.

Article content

About Snuneymuxw First Nation

Article content

Snuneymuxw are a vibrant First Nation of the Coast Salish People, located in the center of Coast Salish territory on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Fraser River, Burrard Inlet and the Howe Sound. Snuneymuxw territory encompasses one of the most productive and resource-rich areas at the heart of the Salish Sea. On December 23, 1854, the Crown entered the Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854, constituting solemn promises and obligations to forever and always protect Snuneymuxw villages, enclosed fields and the right to hunt and fish. To learn more, please visit