The announcement on Friday, June 6, that the Tsleil-Waututh Nation has entered into a non-binding “Memorandum of Understanding” with Great Canadian Entertainment to explore the possibility of acquiring the casino business at Hastings has come as a surprise to the track’s backstretch community.
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s full press release is published here:
Speaking on Friday morning, HBPA BC president David Milburn said: “While it is disappointing that, once again, the future of the facility horse racing has called home for the past 133 years is being discussed without us being shown the courtesy of being consulted beforehand, we welcome the opportunity to find out more about the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s plans.”
He continued: “It remains the HBPA’s position that racing and slots are inextricably linked, or “coupled”, at Hastings and have been that way since Great Canadian Gaming Corporation purchased the Hastings Entertainment in 2004.”
“The horse racing and casino facility at Hastings continues to be a significant employer in the region and, as such, we believe there may be much common ground between racing in B.C. and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation which, historically, has provided jobs for many throughout its other casino properties.”
Thoroughbred Racing British Columbia (TRBC) chairperson Gary Johnson was also caught unawares by the announcement but, like Milburn, also welcomes the opportunity to find out more about the plans.
“While I found out only moments before the announcement,” Johnson said on Friday. “It is important for people to understand that this is only the very beginning of what might be a long process and, as such, there is no immediate threat to racing, However, we certainly welcome the opportunity to find out more about exactly what the Tsleil-Waututh Nation has in mind.”
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