Flamboro Downs must survive OLG shake-up: Councillors
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/ar...up-councillors
City councillors are attempting to piece together a plan for gambling in Hamilton in the wake of an announcement heralding a massive shake-up of gaming in the province.
Councillors Judi Partridge and Robert Pasuta, represent the rural areas around the Flamboro Downs racetrack and slots. They’re concerned about the future of the track and the farmers who rely on it after the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission said it plans to close several venues. There’s also the potential that slot machines will be expanded beyond racetracks or removed from Flamboro Downs.
“I want to wait and see what the whole story is. Were getting the information out of Queen’s Park in dribs and drabs,” Partridge said. “I’m more concerned about Flamboro Downs and what the future holds. Ideally, I’d like to see it stay the way it is.”
“If they pull the slots from Flamboro Downs, the horse racing will be dead as well. I can’t support that at all,” Pasuta said. “It will be devastating for the horse industry.”
Meanwhile, other councillors are already suggesting a new casino downtown or on the waterfront should Flamboro Downs face closure.
“I believe ideally we must first and foremost mitigate the local issues surrounding Flamborough horse farmers,” said Councillor Sam Merulla. “Secondly we should review a casino downtown or on the waterfront measuring against social concerns.”
“We remain hopeful that the (Flamboro) will continue to operate for years to come at its current location,” said Councillor Chad Collins. “However, if the province has plans to close its doors, we’ll need to weigh our options as it relates to opening a new one downtown or on the waterfront. We've received so little information, it's hard to speculate.”
Threaded Mode