April 24, 2026

NIAGARA – MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) stood in the Ontario legislature to press for action from the province to protect the Fort Erie Racetrack and bring all stakeholders to the table to reach a funding agreement for the horse racing industry in the province:

“For over a century, the Fort Erie Racetrack has supported good local jobs, from the trainers and jockeys to the farmers who supply feed and equipment”, said MPP Gates. “It remains one of the largest employers in Fort Erie and plays a key role in attracting visitors to our region.”

“But today, its future is at risk. A $35 million funding agreement, developed with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and Ontario Racing, is being delayed by one stakeholder, Woodbine Entertainment Group. We’re hearing about restrictions that prevent horses from moving freely between tracks, and scheduling decisions that push the Prince of Wales Stakes, which is a major Niagara tourism event, out of the peak summer season.”

“Workers in my community haven’t seen purse increases in nearly a decade, and rising costs are pushing them to the brink. They shouldn’t have to relocate. This is their livelihood, and Fort Erie is their home. I’m calling on the government to finalize this agreement as intended, protect jobs, and ensure a fair, balanced horse racing industry. Supporting the Fort Erie Racetrack means supporting Niagara.”

The Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium and half dozen standardbred and racing owner associations are asking the province to push through the horse racing funding deal now, without Woodbine rewriting it, because they believe Woodbine is delaying the deal and trying to weaken Fort Erie’s ability to survive.