The Ontario Equine Centre (OEC) Board of Directors is driving on with its vision of creating a world class equestrian facility at the site of the current Arkell Research

Farm property in Puslinch, Ont.

OEC recently received funds through the Wellington Waterloo Community Futures Program to support an intern and to further its development plans for the Arkell site. OEC has also received a loan from the Futures Program that will be used to finalize the master site and business plans to a construction ready state. OEC has applied for Southern Ontario Development Program (SODP) funding of $22.2 million to be used for construction work during the 2010-2014 period. This portion of OEC’s overall build out includes all of Phase 1 i.e. Administration and Events buildings and Show facilities, and a large part of Phase 2 i.e. Training facilities.

The Futures and SODP programs are designed to stimulate the Canadian economy during these tough economic times and OEC will indeed do that. The OEC project is expected to generate over 16,500 person months of work during the 2010-2014 period. It is estimated that the requested SODP funding will leverage other funding at a rate of over 3.5:1.

A study of the economic impact of the OEC was conducted by the George Morris Centre (OEC), an agricultural think tank based in Guelph. The study found that the OEC, when fully operational, will conservatively contribute $70 million per annum to the Guelph regional economy, and will generate over 300 new jobs. The study was partially funded through the CanAdvance Program.

OEC momentum is growing. A commercial interest is now working with OEC and plans to host an Equine Trade Show at the Arkell Site in 2010.

The OEC will be a world class equine facility that combines pleasure and racing horse activities with research and technology transfer, thus making it unique in North America. The OEC will bring considerable public and private benefits including: a teaching and technology centre, and equine research, as well as a central location for shows, sales, horse and rider training, and recreation facilities. The OEC will make a strong contribution to Ontario’s economy and move the province into a global leadership position with respect to all things equine.