The new Ontario government has reached tentative transition funding agreements with Georgian Downs, Flamboro Downs and Fort Erie Race Track — the latest step in ensuring race dates for the 2013 season.

They join six other race tracks that have also reached agreements-in-principle for transition funding. Western Fair, Clinton, Hanover and Elora also signed agreements-in-principle with the province earlier this month, while Woodbine and Mohawk race tracks signed on Jan. 23, 2013.

The new Ontario government will continue to negotiate agreements with other interested race tracks to provide transition funding for the next three years in order to ensure a strong future for horse racing in the province.

QUICK FACTS

Georgian Downs and Flamboro Downs are operated by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.
The Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel, made up of former cabinet ministers Elmer Buchanan, John Snobelen and John Wilkinson, released its final report on Oct. 23, 2012.
Up to $30 million will be available for the Horse Improvement Program in 2013. The Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel, the Ontario Racing Commission and members of the province’s world class breeding industry are discussing the allocation of these funds.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has reached commercial lease agreements-in-principle with all 14 race tracks in the province that host slots facilities.

QUOTES

Kathleen Wynne (Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Food): “Ontario’s horse racing and breeding industries are an important part of a healthy economy in Ontario. We will continue to work in consultation with the industry partners for the long-term good of the industry and the province.”

Howard Blank (Vice President Communications for Great Canadian Gaming Corporation): “Today’s announcement is good news for the future of horse racing in Ontario. We are pleased to be able to welcome live horseracing fans to our properties this season.”

(Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food)

OHRIA issued the following press release concerning the above announcement:

The highly successful Slots at Racetracks Program ends in one week, and while OHRIA is pleased with deals for racing at three more Ontario race tracks, the industry association is still pushing for financial details from government on the promised long-term integration strategy.

In a press-release earlier today, Premier Kathleen Wynne, announced that a deal has been made between OMAFRA’s Transition Panel and Great Canadian Gaming, owners of Flamboro Downs and Georgian Downs race tracks, as well as with the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium, who operates Fort Erie Race Track. The deals will allow all three tracks to host racing in 2013.

“While we are happy with the announcement that there will be racing at three more racetracks in 2013, OHRIA is continuing to stress the importance of details of the long-term integration strategy,” commented Sue Leslie, President of OHRIA. “Without knowing the financial returns long-term, breeders and owners will continue to resist investment if they cannot see a viable future for the industry.”

Earlier this month, Kathleen Wynne, speaking in her role as Minister of Agriculture, announced in a press conference at Grand River Raceway that horse racing will be integrated into the Province’s gaming strategy. This announcement did little to quell the fears of investors as financial details and timelines were not provided along with the announcement and have yet to be revealed.

“We need to know financial details for the long-term which is why we are asking Premier Wynne to extend the existing Slots at Racetracks Program until a strategy going forward can be formulated,” stressed Leslie. “We understand the need for our industry to evolve, and to provide good public policy for the government, however our industry will not survive on short-term promises. We need the details of a commitment now.”

(OHRIA)