During a meeting of the Physical and Economic Development Committee in December 2012, Chief William Montour and local Six Nations horsemen delivered a presentation as a first step toward a Six Nations harness racing track.
At that December meeting, Chief Montour described his vision of a Six Nations destination complete with a new bingo building plus a horse racetrack, resort, hotel, convention centre, golf course, casino and a water park for children.
He said that Six Nations will create the rules going forward and that he wants to see a small local operation that grows and grows and attracts local horsemen and horsemen from other communities. Through a phased in approach, there could be potential for new wagering and potential slots in the community, he added.
Discussions included beginning with two or three nights of racing per week. Suggestions were raised for research and a feasibility study.
Local horsemen echoed the sentiment that, at present, the current harness racing industry has adopted a wait and see attitude toward March 31, the date the official Slots-At-Racetracks program ends.
The presentation given by Chief Montour concluded with a proposal for an Ad Hoc committee or board that included local horsemen and Six Nations Council members. The Committee decided to invite more harness racing industry experts to gather further information and help form a definitive strategy for potential next steps.
The Committee met again last Tuesday, February 12 with harness racing representatives, including Ontario Harness Horse Association's Ken Hardy, Brian Tropea and Jim Whelan, who shared their insights on the current and future state of the industry as it relates to Six Nations.
Chief Montour made it abundantly clear that Six Nations Elected Council has the sovereign right to make decisions in the best interests of the community. He pointed out that the community cannot rely on federal resources.
All parties agreed to build alliances and continue exploring a Six Nations harness racing track with further talks to be scheduled.