“Government for the People” reaches deals with Ontario race tracks
Fort Erie and Dresden race tracks elected to receive additional financial support for horse racing operations, but declined to accept slots at those facilities.
News from the Ontario Government of Doug Ford
Posted October 15th, 2018 on Niagara At Large
Toronto — The Government for the People has kept a commitment to bolster support for Ontario’s horse racing industry.
This repairs the damage done by the previous Liberal government when it cancelled the slots at racetracks program.
Agreements in principle have now been reached to keep slots operating at Kawartha Downs and Ajax Downs, and to provide additional funding to continue horse racing in Fort Erie and Dresden.
“This is another promise made, promise kept,” said Finance Minister Vic Fedeli.
“We worked with our partners in the horse racing industry, and have agreed on packages which include funding and/or slots at racetracks. These packages are designed to directly support the horse racing industry and rural communities.”
Ajax Downs will continue to have slots which will provide additional financial support to continue quarter-horse racing in Durham Region.
Fort Erie and Dresden race tracks elected to receive additional financial support for horse racing operations, but declined to accept slots at those facilities.
Discussions are ongoing with other racetracks in Ontario.
Quick Facts
- In May 2018, a new long-term funding agreement for the horse-racing sector was signed between the industry and OLG. The agreement includes funding for racetracks operations and purse support for horse people up to $105M per year for 19 years.
- The signatories of the long-term funding agreement (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), Ontario Racing, Woodbine Entertainment Group and Ontario Racing Management Inc.) executed the agreement May 7, 2018. The agreement will come into effect on April 1, 2019.
NIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this post in the space following the Bernie Sanders quote below.
A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.
For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .
Niagara At Large 
If Premier Ford’s government is “The Government for the People” why does his government insist on secrecy rather than transparency? Why does his government not consult with the community upon which his decisions affect? Premier Ford why did your government insist the parties sign the “non transparent” agreement before they could negotiate with your government representatives? Could it be the government chose to keep the slots in the bingo halls rather than at the race track? Could it be the Ford Government being aware that the Woodbine Casino would have a strong negative impact on both Niagara Falls casinos conned the FELRC to accept a cash deal rather than insist on slots at the track?
LikeLike