The owner of Sarnia's Hiawatha Horse Park is thrilled with Ontario's recently continued support of the industry through a new, long-term funding agreement. The government is providing tracks with $105-million annually over 19 years, starting next April. It's also introducing a new Racetrack Sustainability Innovation Fund to help facilities innovate, diversify, and expand revenue sources. Jim Henderson says there's the chance to partner with local organizations to offer more services. "We've always put more into the facility, trying to generate new funds and new sources of revenue for the track," says Henderson. "So, we're interested in whatever they want to start or get into. Whether it's gaming, housing or commercial properties, we're interested and open for anything at the moment. It'll be great for Sarnia." Henderson says they could also explore partnerships with places like Lambton College or local industry. The government says the long-term funding agreement will also empower the horse racing industry to work together to make long-term decisions about horse breeding, racing programs, capital investments, as well as hiring. It will include specific measures focused on supporting community racetracks, including operational funding and purses.
The new funding agreement will replace the existing Horse Racing Partnership Funding Program.
