An application for the expansion of the Grey Eagle Casino was approved by the province earlier this year and on Tuesday morning the first shovels hit the ground.
The 9,000 square foot expansion on the Tsuu T'ina First Nation will increase the gaming area and allow for another restaurant.
But the big benefit, says Chief Sanford Big Plume, is the amount of jobs it will create for the band and the increased opportunity for education for the band's youth.
Residents in neighbouring communities have expressed concerns about the traffic problems caused by the location of the busy casino.
They fear that the new expansion will lead to more traffic headaches.
Big Plume says that he doesn't believe there is much concern about the expansion because, if there was, there would be more representation at a recent public meeting.
"f there was a huge concern, I believe there'd be more than 60 people there. and obviously there's no concern. Also look at the people from Lakeview and Glamorgan who come over here, who use this facility, some are employed here, some they come here and enjoy the facility. We like having them," said the Chief.
The plans also include a hotel and a 2,000 seat entertainment centre.
