"Think of the farms, right off the bat, those spin-offs...blacksmiths, feed stores, tack stores. And then look at the people that would be employed working at the racino."
Trainer Neil Campbell Jr. is hopeful that the plan for a racino-stadium project in Halifax, N.S. comes to fruition. Campbell told CTV News that the economic impact, especially in the struggling rural communities, would be welcome for an industry that he says has stagnated in Truro.
"Since the mid-1980s this sport has been in Truro, and it's been kind of dormant," says Campbell. "But in Halifax, if you build it they will come."
While the concept of bringing harness racing back to the province's largest centre is nothing new, new developments have given cause for renewed optimism. CTV has learned that a group has submitted a proposal to Halifax Regional Municipal (HRM) Council to build a stadium-racino complex.
"It's a very exciting opportunity, I think the province should jump at this," said Councillor David Hendsbee.
HRM Council has apparently put $20 million on the table to help finance the project, and at least six proposals have been put forward.
(Video available here: CTV News)