No grandstand for Summerside Raceway

BY MIKE CARSON
The Guardian

SUMMERSIDE — The provincial government made it final on Monday, there will be no funding for new grandstands at Summerside Raceway.
Provincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan released his government’s long awaited Responsible Gaming Strategy on Monday but the published government news release made no reference to Summerside Raceway.

The city has been pressuring government for a new grandstand at the SRW as the community prepares to host the opening ceremonies of the 2009 Canada Games.
The grandstands have been described by the city as “deplorable” and an “embarrassment” for one of the longest running industries in the community. Replacing the grandstands has been ticketed at around $3 million.

Sheridan had said earlier the Responsible Gaming Strategy that will deal with all types of gaming on P.E.I. would have a role in the SRW grandstand issue.
The provincial treasurer said Monday his government has continually said their financial priorities are focused on health care and education and that will continue.
“We will not be building grandstands at Summerside Raceway,” he said.

The minister said there has been ongoing discussion with the city that Summerside build the grandstands with Atlantic Lottery. He said the two parties could enter a lease hold agreement that could see the project come about.

Summerside Mayor Basil Stewart isn’t about to give up.

“We’re going to dig in our heels here and we’re going to somehow make this happen,” he said following Monday’s announcement. “Just because the province says it won’t fund the grandstands doesn’t mean we’ll accept this.”

Stewart intends to meet with the horsemen and city council and Atlantic Lotto to work out a strategy that will eventually lead to new grandstands at the SRW.
“We’re not going to sit back,” he said. “We are going to be looking at every angle. We can’t lose our horse racing industry in Summerside. We have to find a way to make it happen.”