Justin Picov from Picov Downs, Rod Phillips, Ajax MPP, Ajax Mayor Steve Parish and Bob Broadstock, president of the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario were in Ajax Tuesday morning for an announcement about Ajax Downs remaining open. – Ron Pietroniro/ Metroland
AJAX, ON – Today, The Hon. Rod Phillips announced that an agreement in principle has been reached that will allow for the continuation of operations
at Ajax Downs.
“The Premier and I promised to find a practical solution to protect jobs, and preserve this economic opportunity for the town of Ajax,” said The Hon. Rod
Phillips, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ajax. “Today, I’m pleased to announce that this promise made, is now a promise kept.”
The previous government had withdrawn their support from Ajax Downs last spring, after the proposal that was rejected by the former Member of
Provincial Parliament.
“I committed to continue to fight on behalf of the people of Ajax, and those who rely on the industry,” continued Phillips. “This agreement ensures that
Ajax Downs will continue to provide essential revenue for the Town of Ajax and sustain more than 1,700 jobs for people employed by the horseracing
industry across Durham Region.”
It is good news for Durham Region and ensures a sustainable, 2-facility solution, with no less than 500 slots at Ajax Downs through to 2026, and
options to extend another 12 years after that.
This redesigned configuration will result in 10,000 direct and indirect jobs within Durham Region and hundreds of millions of dollars in private sector
capital investment.
Phillips was joined at today’s announcement by Mayor Steve Parish and the President of the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario, Bob Broadstock.
The Hon. Rod Phillips
Member of Provincial Parliament
Ajax
Quotes:
“On behalf of Ajax Council, I would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the provincial government, including Minister Fedeli and Minister Phillips for keeping their promise to retain the Slots at Ajax Downs. This decision will protect quarter horse racing in the province, saving 1,700 jobs in Durham Region.It is fitting we make this announcement as we prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ajax Downs in 2019. Ongoing operations will bring certainty to the Town regarding slots revenues, and allows the Town to continue investing in key infrastructure projects. We look forward to working with OLG, Great Canadian Gaming and the Picov’s to ensure the continued success of the slots facility and Ajax Downs.”
Steve Parish
Mayor of Ajax
“The Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc. would like to thank Minister Phillips for his support and dedication to our effort of saving Ajax Downs. The Conservative government has shown their commitment to Quarter Horse racing and the three breed mandate, a step the previous government was unwilling to make. We look forward to working with Minister Phillips to ensure that Quarter Horse racing continues to be a vibrant and exciting industry in
Ajax.”
Bob Broadstock President
Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc.
Contact:
Andrew Brander
Office of the Hon. Rod Phillips
andrew.brander@ontario.ca