If you weren’t at City Hall on Tuesday, you will likely have heard by now that Toronto City Council voted against expanded gaming at Woodbine Racetrack. In the end, it was a very close vote – 24 to 20, as opposed to the 40-to-4 vote against a downtown casino.
Needless to say, we are shocked and disappointed that City Council rejected an opportunity to make the responsible choice for Woodbine, for our community and for the city, even though a majority of Torontonians supported us.
As disappointed as we are, however, I want to assure you that this is not the end of our efforts. In fact, there are several reasons for optimism. For one, Premier Kathleen Wynne, who is also Minister of Agriculture, has reiterated her commitment to a sustainable future for horse racing in Ontario. As well, she has indicated that her government will integrate horse racing into the provincial gaming strategy going forward. So, with the City Council decision behind us, we are redoubling our efforts to work with the Premier, the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel and the new Acting Chair of the OLG to develop a long-term solution for Woodbine Entertainment Group and the province’s horse racing industry.
Over the past few months, hundreds of you donated your time and effort to supporting Woodbine in petitions, in letters and in person at City Hall. Without you, we would not enjoy such huge public goodwill. We would not be the first-class entertainment destination that we are today. And I would not be as confident as I am that we will ultimately succeed.
Thank you for your support, for your hard work, and most of all for your continued optimism.
Please share this message with your colleagues and employees who may not receive this e-mail.
Sincerely,
Nick Eaves
President and CEO
Woodbine Entertainment Group
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