The birth of the Billy Barker Casino Hotel is deeply entwined with the famed Cariboo Gold Rush that took hold of British Columbia in the 19th century. When gold was unearthed in the waters of the Fraser River in 1858, the revelation beckoned a surge of fortune seekers, transforming the landscape and demographics of the region, notably around the town of Quesnel. Aspiring miners from distant corners of the globe flocked in, driven by the lure of prosperity and new beginnings.
The pulse of the Gold Rush quickened in 1862 with the discovery of a remarkable deposit near present-day Quesnel, leading to the establishment of the Billy Barker Mine. Christened after its proprietor, Billy Barker, whose feats as a miner during the Cariboo Gold Rush granted him legendary status, the mine's success epitomized the dreams that so many sought in the untamed wilds of British Columbia.
Coinciding with the burgeoning success of the gold industry, Quesnel emerged as a hub of activity. What once was a mere settlement, gave way to a flourishing mining town. Its streets brimmed with enterprising individuals, and an infrastructure to sustain the community, including hotels to accommodate the weary and saloons for the spirited, rapidly materialized to service the thriving population.
The dawn of the 20th century witnessed the construction of the Billy Barker Hotel, a premises that swiftly assumed the status of an iconic meeting place for miners and Quesnel denizens alike. With its walls steeped in the tales of those it harboured, the Hotel became an emblem of the town’s lively past and a shelter for those enmeshed in the daily grind.
Unfortunately, as the years ebbed, so too did the physical state of the original hotel, ultimately leading to its demolition in the 1980s. Nonetheless, the spirit of the establishment was far too ingrained in the community's history to let it fade away. A consortium of local investors sought not only to resurrect the hotel from the ashes but to imbue it with a fresh enterprise in the form of a casino. Thus began a new chapter in the story of the Billy Barker legacy.
Culminating years of meticulous planning and constructing, the Billy Barker Casino Hotel swung open its doors anew in 1993. Eschewing a contemporary design, the new edifice paid homage to the architectural vernacular of its hallowed predecessor, enveloping visitors in the aura of the Gold Rush era that once electrified Quesnel’s streets.
In the modern age, the Billy Barker Casino Hotel remains a testament to the convergence of yesteryear charm with today's entertainment and comfort. Slot machines echo with the clinks of prospectors' pans, table games invite strategy and mirth alike, and poker rooms play host to the shrewd and bold-spirited. The hotel itself promises a reprieve in accommodations that whisk guests away to a bygone period, yet provide all contemporary conveniences.
In the heart of Quesnel, the Billy Barker Casino Hotel fervently champions the narrative of the Cariboo Gold Rush. With artifacts and mementos aplenty, patrons are given a window into the soul of the historical epoch that defined the town and its citizenry. Today, the establishment stands resolutely as a beacon for those desiring to experience the harmony of historical awareness, leisure, and impeccable service, thereby securing its status as a distinguished highlight of British Columbia's touristic landscape.
Join Kevin Dwyer, a seasoned stock trader, and Robynne Eaton, an entrepreneurial filmmaker, in 'The Mine$tockers' as they embark on a thrilling international quest. Venturing into rugged and often perilous mining territories, they investigate publicly traded mining companies, from gold to base metals, seeking profitable investments and making critical investment decisions.
Their journey digs deep into the lives of local communities and complex relationships between mining operations, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous peoples. With insights from geologists, experts, and Indigenous partners, Kevin and Robynne evaluate each company's environmental and social governance, revealing the intricate balance of industry standards and ethical practices.
Travel alongside them in diverse modes, from RVs to seaplanes, as they uncover the hidden stories and histories of the mining world, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and beauties of the global mining landscape.
But the adventure doesn't stop with watching - viewers can dive into the action themselves with the Mine$tockers Fantasy Trading Pool. This immersive experience allows you to create your own trading portfolio with $100,000 in fantasy bucks and compete against the Mine$tockers throughout the season. The stakes are high: half of the growing cash prize pool goes to the top-performing trader, while the other half is earmarked for a charity of the Mine$tockers' choice. However, if the Mine$tockers themselves clinch the top spot on the scoreboard at season's end, the entire prize pot will be donated to charity. It's not just about watching investments unfold - it's about testing your own trading mettle in this high-stakes, real-time challenge.
With over 20 years of experience in the film industry as both a producer and actor, Robynne Eaton brings her keen eye and storytelling expertise to Mine$tockers. She'll investigate the history surrounding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices and help tell the story of the mining world through her unique perspective.
Robynne's passion for uncovering the truth shines as she delves into the intricacies of mining operations. Her professional film production background and engaging personality allow her to present an unbiased and captivating view of the industry.
Former Bay Street trader, Kevin Dwyer, has transitioned from his role as an over-the-counter stock trader in the resource sector to a private investor and adventurer. He now visits mining properties to gain firsthand insights.
The Mine$tockers believe in making informed investment decisions in the mining industry. They carefully evaluate established and up-and-coming mining stocks, interact with local communities and base their trades on their findings.
With a wealth of experience in the great outdoors, Kevin has traveled to diverse destinations, from the northern wilderness to the southern deserts. He is an avid sportsman, hiker, and adventurer.
MineStocker Bali loves to get details of lunch firsthand.
Bali will examine the local food highlights while checking out local canine!
Who are the people on-site, in the mine office as well as in town? Meet them with Bali, see them from her eyes.
Bali has traveled to many fantastic and exciting places for lunch and will lead the way!