Bright future for Fort Erie track: Redekop
Upper levels of government will listen if there’s enough pressure and local officials call for action long enough and properly, says Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop.
On Friday, the province announced a 19-year plan for the horseracing industry, committing to an infusion of $105 million over this time span beginning in 2019.
There will also be additional supports for smaller racetracks and the government will continue the Enhanced Horse Improvement Program, and introduce a new Racetrack Sustainability Innovation Fund, providing up to $6 million over three years, taking effect this year.
Fort Erie Race Track will also have representation on the Horse Racing Alliance, a board that makes industry decisions that did not include Fort Erie in the past.
“It really looks like the essential points we’re concerned about, with the exception of the return of the slots to the track, have been addressed or are going to be addressed — and that’s good news for the horseracing industry,” said Redekop.
Fort Erie Race Track has received $7.9 million each year since 2010 when the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium
(FELRC) was established.
For about the past four years, the local government and the FELRC, as well as Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates, have pushed for a long-term plan for the sport of kings in Fort Erie and at other rural tracks in the province.
Last season, the track said wagering was down by 15 per cent due to the policy. Local officials received assurances earlier this year the policy will not be in place in 2018 and are optimistic this will hold true as the new plan unfolds.
Gates is also elated by the announcement.
“We want to take a good look at the details to make sure what we have to do, and how it’s going to affect our track and keep it prosperous for the next number of years,” said Gates.
Opening day in Fort Erie is
May 29.