In the wake of the Ontario Liberal Government's controversial announcement to walk away from the mutually-beneficial slots-at-racetracks program, members of Ontario's equine community have felt betrayed, ambushed, and, in many cases, robbed by an Ontario Liberal and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. course of action. People are screaming to be heard, and platforms are there.

Those that have also taken the brunt of the controversial decision are those that do not want full-blown casino gaming in their own backyards.

Instead of conducting conclusive municipal referendums on the topic of introducing full-blown casino gaming into highly populated urban areas, potential 'willing host municipalities' are merely seeking public feedback and utilizing various polls to gauge whether or not to go all-in on casinos.

It has been confirmed that at least three public consultation sessions will be taking place in the coming days and weeks. All members of the equine community that live in those areas, or citizens that are against casino expansion in their own backyards, have been encouraged by municipal leaders to attend the meetings and voice their opinions. Representatives from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. will also be present at the meetings.

Information relevant to the public meetings in Ottawa (Tuesday, October 2), Toronto (Wednesday, October 10) and the Wasaga area (Tuesday, October 16) is listed below.

There has also been talk of a Hamilton meeting to take place in City Hall on Thursday, October 11, but that information has not been verified at this time.

OTTAWA MEETING

Meeting Date

• Tuesday, October 2

Meeting Location

• Ottawa City Hall - Andrew S. Haydon Hall

Meeting Time

• 9:30 a.m.

Contact

• Diane Blais

• 613-580-2424 (Ext. 28091)

• [email protected]

TORONTO MEETING

Meeting Date

• Wednesday, October 10

Meeting Location

• Toronto City Hall - Council Chamber

Meeting Time

• 6:00 p.m.

WASAGA MEETING

Meeting Date

• Tuesday, October 16

Meeting Location

• RecPlex

• 1724 Mosley Street

Meeting Time

• 7:00 p.m.

(If you have concrete information [including times, dates, locations, etc.] of more informational sessions, please submit them by posting them in the comments area below.)