Racing Support Key To Budget Approval?

Published: April 17, 2012 12:17 pm EDT

On Monday, April 16, Windsor City Council stated that it wants both Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party and New Democratic Party to make their possible support of the Liberals' provincial budget contingent on a reversal of the government's stance on the Ontario horse-racing industry

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According to a report by The Windsor Star, the council's declaration came after it was told Monday that horse racing at Windsor Raceway would probably end.

The article stated that a large number of delegates addressed the council on Monday. The report has quoted Windsor Raceway President Pat Soulliere as saying that without a viable business plan "the racing product would be in jeopardy."

Ontario Harness Horse Association GM Brian Tropea characterized the Ontario Liberal Government's illogical move against the economically-churning horse-racing industry as, essentially, "the end of horse racing" in the province; while St Lad's Farm owner Bob Ladoucer stated that "there's a very good chance" that his farm would close if the Ontario Liberals' plan goes forward as is.

"The whole purpose is to get a meeting with [the Ontario Liberal Government] ... and try to straighten them out and have them admit that they made a terrible mistake. There's no shame in reversing them," Councillor Percy Hatfield has been quoted as saying in an article by the CBC.

The feelings of Windsor City Council comes on the heels of a bevy of support from other municipalities --- most recently that of the City of Hamilton, which is backing both Flamboro Downs and the local racing industry, and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

As mykawartha.com has reported, the City of Kawartha Lakes last week voted unanimously in favour of a resolution to have the Ontario Liberals reinstate and improve the current slots-at-racetracks program.

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