Regarding Belleville's long-delayed new Quinte Raceway, and the Ontario Liberals' new stance toward the horse-racing industry, Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis has gone on the record as saying, “Now, maybe, we’re seeing why the OLG hasn’t wanted to sit down at the table
and discuss the project."
Mayor Ellis' quotes come courtesy of an article about the situation in the latest edition of The Kingston Whig-Standard.
The report also includes quotes from former Ontario Harness Horse Association representative Terry Collins, who is still holding hope that a new raceway is coming to the area.
“Belleville’s just a perfect spot and, really, what held it up is a series of mistakes,” he was quoted as saying. “It’s been crazy. Everything else has to be settled, but ... yes, I think it will eventually get built.”
Collins also said, “The government makes a lot of money off the slots. They’re (the Ontario Liberal Government is) talking about cutting a partnership, that’s what it has been, not a 'subsidy.' The racetracks are making money for them and this might all work out okay for the horsemen.”
(With files from The Kingston Whig-Standard)
How convenient for Mr. Ellis
How convenient for Mr. Ellis to hide behind the Drummond Report. He has had 5 1/2 years to get serious about this issue and now that he thinks he has an out he becomes vocal. Not only have the horseman of the Belleville area been sold down the river but so have the taxpayers of Belleville. By not having this racetrack built it has cost the city approx 5 to 10 million in income while Mr. Ellis has been mayor. I would have thought that would have made him vocal long ago!!