Dear Mr. Premier,
I am the Chief Operating Officer of the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium and have held this position since July 1, 2010 when the consortium leased the operation of the track from Nordic Gaming for a three year period.
Initially I had some trepidation about applying for the position when it was advertised but two major factors swayed me into submitting my resume.
Firstly, I worked for the Ontario Jockey Club from 1976 through 1994 and while working my way up to the position of Executive Vice President was deeply involved in the operation of Fort Erie during the very popular August meeting followed by the introduction of the six month meeting for the horsepeople who could not compete at the Woodbine level.
I have seen the successes that Fort Erie Race Track has enjoyed and the injection of enthusiasm and pride it has created with the local community. Secondly, my passion for thoroughbred racing in Ontario and my affinity towards keeping the track open for years to come were compelling factors in pursuing this opportunity.
I have been involved in horse racing in North America, South America, United States and eight countries in Europe and in my experience have never sensed a more passionate group of employees and horsepeople dedicated towards the survival of the track and its continued operation for the long term future.
The immense popularity of the racing product captivates the immediate area for a six month period every year and the many residents who are employed by the track look forward to the opening of the season every year. For many of the employees it is the only job they have ever had and because of the unique aspects of the business it is the only job they can perform.
This makes their job skills “untransferrable” which means it would be virtually impossible for those who work as hot walkers and grooms on the backstretch to acquire jobs anywhere else. Other jobs have similar limitations as well.
We have made a lot of progress in transforming the racing experience at Fort Erie into a new and refreshing atmosphere while operating under a very limited marketing budget. The level of enthusiasm and interest has grown tremendously and we are looking at 2012 as an even more exciting season with 59 promotions scheduled over an 86 day meeting.
It would be a shame to see this momentum halted so abruptly with so much at stake for horsepeople, employees, contractors and racing fans.
The greatest compliment paid to Fort Erie by our American visitors is that Fort Erie is “the Saratoga of the North.”
This image and reputation must continue. Please keep Fort Erie Race Track operational for the sake of everyone concerned, especially the local community of employees, horsepeople, restaurant and hotel operators and local contractors.
Eric G. Cowan
Fort Erie
2 Comments on "SLOTS CLOSING: An open letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty by Fort Erie Race Track manager"
Thank you for your wonderful words. I have also sent off letters to various politicians in regards to this situation. I also expressed concerns about the employability of many of the people from the race track, not only for having skills that are not transferrable but also that many are limited by disabilities that would not allow them to do other jobs.
My other concern is the cost that it will burden the cities with, for some reason there is no thought being put into the displaced workers having to resort to social services in order to survive. I wonder seriously if the cost/benefit ratio has truly been considered here.
But hats off to you for speaking out on this issue!
As a Fort Erie resident I couldn’t agree more with the (above) open letter to our Premier. Not only are we saddened by the closing of the slots, but our other huge concern is the future of our beautiful and beloved race track. How can the Province turn its back on a 115 (!) year tradition? For me, there are few better places to be on a sky-blue summer’s day with a cold beer in one hand and racing form in the other (even on those cool and rainey days in October the track is still quite enjoyable!) I’ve made several friends at “The Fort” (long-time track employees) and they are the most friendly and professional folks you’ll find anywhere. This year to mark the 200th anniversary of the war of 1812 there are many events planned for our town – how can we promote the grand history of 1812 on one hand and close off another which dates to 1897?