Great Canadian sells two properties to Tribal entities

Great Canadian Entertainment has agreed to the sale of two of its properties to Tribal entities, as the Ts'elxwéyeqw Tribe and Tsleil-Waututh Nation are set to take over operations of Elements Casino Chilliwack and Hastings Racecourse & Casino, respectively.

"We are excited about this next step towards economic self-determination for our Nation in our traditional territory, which will bring benefits to our community and the next seven generations," Tsleil-Waututh Nation Chief Justin George said.

"I am grateful to our current and previous səlilwətaɬ leadership, as well as our Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Economic Development Department, for advancing and solidifying this opportunity."

Hastings Casino is located in Vancouver, British Columbia and contains over 400 slot machines, as the Tribe originally agreed to purchase the facility on June 6, 2025. Tsleil-Waututh Nation is set to purchase the casino portion of the business and the casino-related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino.

"We are proud to announce an agreement for the sale of this landmark casino business to TWN. It has been an honour to steward the casino at Hastings Racecourse & Casino for over 20 years, and we recognize the important role this transaction plays in TWN's economic self-determination," Great Canadian CEO Matt Anfinson said.

"We will now dedicate our efforts to a successful close of this transaction, as well as supporting the Tsleil-Waututh Nation thereafter."

The Ts'elxwéyeqw Tribe, which consists of seven First Nation communities and represents the First People of the Chilliwack River watershed, will begin operating Elements Casino Chilliwack as a result of the purchase, which features 300 slots, live and electronic table games and bingo.

"This purchase marks an exciting milestone for our Nations and for the entire territory. By coming together in partnership, we are not only investing in a strong business opportunity, but also in the future of our people," Squiala First Nation Chief and Ts'elxwéyeqw Tribe Management President David Jimmie said.

"The revenues generated through this acquisition will help strengthen our communities, create new opportunities, and ensure our Nations continue to play a leading role in the local economy. Additionally, we believe that local community-based ownership of Elements Casino Chilliwack will further strengthen the broader Fraser Valley community and economy.

"It's a proud moment that reflects how Indigenous leadership and collaboration can build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone."

Anfinson also commented on the sale of Elements Casino Chilliwack, having said, "We are very excited to have entered into this agreement with the Ts'elxwéyeqw Group.

"We have had the privilege of being part of the Chilliwack community since we opened Elements Casino Chilliwack in 2012, and we believe that under the Ts'elxwéyeqw Group's stewardship, the business will begin an exciting new chapter. For the team members and guests of Elements Casino Chilliwack, and the local community, we can think of no better owner for the business."

The closing of the Elements Casino Chilliwack transaction is still subject to customary conditions and the receipt of regulatory approvals.