Hanover Bentinck and Brant Agricultural Society, which owns and operates Hanover Raceway, and is in the midst of constructing Carriage Hall, has voted to put any future tenders on 'hold', until further notice
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The decision follows the Liberal Government announcement this week, that the OLG is ending the Slots at Racetrack program, on March 31, 2013.
General Manager Gord Dougan stated Hanover has awarded $3.8 million in construction tenders on the $9 million project so far but with the announcement this week, it was decided to delay awarding any more tenders until we get further information and clarification. To date, no information has been received on the Hanover site.
Of the money generated at the OLG Slots at Hanover Raceway, 10 per cent goes to the Agricultural Society for operating the facilities, paying the insurance and taxes, supporting live harness racing, and for capital projects. Dougan says a good portion of that income was earmarked to pay off a 10-year mortgage for the facility. He's hopeful this won’t delay the planned opening of the 30,000 square foot community banquet hall, which was slated for this December.
According to Dougan, "OLG staff have defined the Hanover Site as a model of how the Slots at Racetrack program was designed, and has seen its revenue almost double since opening 11 years ago."
Because of their success, Dougan believes the OLG will continue their partnership at Hanover Raceway. He adds, however, with the announcement on Monday, it was felt the Society should not make any further commitments until it knows its future.
Tom kelly: no one is making
Tom kelly: no one is making a commitment( at least in the STANDARDBRED INDUSTRY) .Better to take action now than wait a year!
AND HOW MANY FAMILIES WOULD
AND HOW MANY FAMILIES WOULD BE FED IF THE CONSTRUCTION WERE TO PROCEED???
I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER HOW SUCCESSFUL OUR ONTARIO TRACKS WOULD BE - AND HOW MUCH MORE SECURE ONTARIO HARNESS RACING WOULD BE - IF ALL THE TRACKS WERE OWNED BY MUNICIPAL NOT-FOR-PROFIT FAIR BOARDS ... OR OVERSEEN BY OHHA (STILL MY ASSOCIATION).
ONE CAN REASONABLY HOPE/EXPECT THAT WEG, LONDON, GEORGIAN AND GRAND RIVER WILL BE LESS HARSHLY DEALT WITH BY THE LIBERAL PLAN THAN WINDSOR, SARNIA, KAWARTHA AND OTHER 'MONEY PITS' FOR 'WEALTHY TRACK OWNERS'.
NEXT STEP? OHHA WORK OUT AN ARRANGEMENT FOR ONTARIO HORSEMEN TO BUY CLOSED-UP RACETRACKS ... AND MANAGE THEM TO THE BENEFIT OF HORSEMEN. MAYBE THEN THE GOVT WOULD BE WILLING TO STRIKE AN AGREEMENT WITH OWNERS THAT DO WHAT WAS EXPECTED?
What a shame! A bloody
What a shame! A bloody crying shame.Just another example of how our provincial government is turning lives upside down.
Tom kelly: it's not only
Tom kelly: it's not only Hanover that has been put on hold! It's everyone in Ontario from the two dollar bettor to the owners to anyone that cares for the two minutes of Harness Racing horses that's been put on hold ? Thanks to the Duncan - Godfry daily double...I would not wait till 2013 , take action now. SCRATCH THE LIBERAL PAIR!!!!!!