Six Nations Of The Grand River met with harness racing representatives earlier this week to explore the possibility of creating a new racetrack in Ontario.
During a meeting of the Physical and Economic Development Committee in December 2012, Chief William Montour and local Six Nations horsemen delivered a presentation as a first step toward a Six Nations harness racing track.
At that December meeting, Chief Montour described his vision of a Six Nations destination complete with a new bingo building plus a horse racetrack, resort, hotel, convention centre, golf course, casino and a water park for children.
He said that Six Nations will create the rules going forward and that he wants to see a small local operation that grows and grows and attracts local horsemen and horsemen from other communities. Through a phased in approach, there could be potential for new wagering and potential slots in the community, he added.
Discussions included beginning with two or three nights of racing per week. Suggestions were raised for research and a feasibility study.
Local horsemen echoed the sentiment that, at present, the current harness racing industry has adopted a wait and see attitude toward March 31, the date the official Slots-At-Racetracks program ends.
The presentation given by Chief Montour concluded with a proposal for an Ad Hoc committee or board that included local horsemen and Six Nations Council members. The Committee decided to invite more harness racing industry experts to gather further information and help form a definitive strategy for potential next steps.
The Committee met again last Tuesday, February 12 with harness racing representatives, including Ontario Harness Horse Association's Ken Hardy, Brian Tropea and Jim Whelan, who shared their insights on the current and future state of the industry as it relates to Six Nations.
Chief Montour made it abundantly clear that Six Nations Elected Council has the sovereign right to make decisions in the best interests of the community. He pointed out that the community cannot rely on federal resources.
All parties agreed to build alliances and continue exploring a Six Nations harness racing track with further talks to be scheduled.
This idea seems to have
This idea seems to have merit. Has anyone thought of putting a race track at the Blue Heron casino in Port Perry? I'm sure someone is thinking of it. This could turn out to be a good partnership for everyone involved. It is close to Toronto Oshawa and Barrie also Peterborough. Considering the number of people close by this would be s sure winner. Now I'm really thinking out loud. Sincerely Bruce T. Winning.......!
My say-Le's get r' done.now!
My say-Le's get r' done.now!
Go to http://SixNations.ca.
Go to http://SixNations.ca. Click on feedback and voice your support for a new racetrack if you want it to happen.
OLG vs Native Alliances, we
OLG vs Native Alliances, we have been lied to,shut down (at 3 tracks),reduced to landlords for OLG slots with no contract for compensation to horseracing, what are we waiting for the Gov't to see the light the Liberals have no desire to continue our partnership, if the First Nations are a willing partner and the contracts can be completed I say lets go. Joining partnerships with a group who can do to the Liberals what they did to the horseracing industry is a step into a strong future for the industry and it will make the gov't sit up and take notice.
Guess someone see's the value
Guess someone see's the value in these partnerships and revenue sharing agreements.The provinces loss might be someone else's gain.
My own opinion is the First
My own opinion is the First Nations are the way to go , would help to save our industry. Would be nice if someone well versed would approach them on our behalf.
Do you think Godfrey and the
Do you think Godfrey and the boys are looking through the how to kill horse racing handbook to find the chapter on what if horse racing partners with somebody who doesn't follow your rules. Head south of Montreal to see how native gaming works without the help of federal or provincial governments.
Yes with all their tax
Yes with all their tax advantages and the governments fear of the "First Nations". it could be a learning experience (for the Government)!!
Very cool, I really hope this
Very cool, I really hope this idea becomes a reality.
Interesting story. Where will
Interesting story. Where will this racetrack be?
As someone who ran a public
As someone who ran a public stable many years ago that backed on to six nations I applaud their looking into building their own facility. I know they will do research fully investigating the plausability of such an undertaking. If it comes to pass as an individual I would be proud to race in a new facility and renew old friendships. Best of luck!
The wait and see approach has
The wait and see approach has clearly not been an itelligent one to date. The sooner horsepeople in Ontario get it through their heads that the Liberal government and OLG are not their friends, the sooner others can with their own ideas can move forward with brilliant ideas like the Six Nations proposed racetrack/resort as well as the Lakeshore Raceway proposal.