London’s full city council is expected to vote on the topic of gaming expansion today (Tuesday, April 24), as the city’s Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee (SPPC) voted 7-5 in favour of expanded gaming on Monday.
According to the CBC, much of the discussion focused on having the expanded gaming occur at the Western Fair District. The iconic southwestern Ontario entertainment venue is currently in negotiations with Gateway Casinos, which recently proposed a multi-million-dollar expansion at the location, which is also home to live harness racing.
In speaking of gaming expansion at Western Fair, Standardbred Canada Director Mark Horner said, "It will be a win-win," according to the CBC. "The Western Fair will continue to be hub of horse racing and remain relevant in current city activities. Horsepeople and horses will continue to provide horse racing in this city."
An article by Global News explains that on Monday the SPPC also passed a non-binding motion – by a vote of 11-1 – that the committee is in favour of keeping the Western Fair District as its preferred location for a gaming expansion in London.
“If the Western Fair were to not have gaming at its site, then without question, that would dramatically change the game of racing in southwestern Ontario,” said Seelster Farms Reproduction Manager Ann Straatman, who is also a director of Standardbred Canada.
(With files from the CBC and Global News)