ORC Launches Outreach Program

The Ontario Racing Commission has launched a new outreach program that will result in many local racing issues being resolved by those individuals and/or organizations that are directly involved in them.

The objective behind this new project is to identify local solutions to local issues by way of a formal process that puts those affected into decision making roles.

“We know from past experiences that this approach works,” said ORC chair Rod Seiling. “Solutions developed by those directly involved are generally accepted and supported to a higher degree than solutions which are imposed.” He pointed out that this type of local involvement has worked successfully in the past with the formation of a “track committee.”

Under the new program, the ORC will appoint a judge or steward for each local area. That person would then be available to act as a facilitator to help resolve issues between a respective track and its horse people. The intent is to foster a productive relationship among members of the local racing community.

The new program would not impact on any licensee’s right to due process and right of appeal before the Commission. Any issues that cannot be solved jointly at the local level or have broader implications may be resolved at other levels, such as racetracks, horse people associations or the ORC.

The new Outreach Program is an extension of the ORC’s commitment to consultation. The addition of a senior ORC representative will formalize the process and enable local solutions to local issues.

(ORC)