A press conference outlining plans for the future of Kawartha Downs was cancelled at the last minute on Thursday morning.
Officials with the harness racing track in Fraserville said a “major development” within the last 24 hours is unfolding but wouldn’t elaborate, only saying it would mean good news.
“It is our belief, and my personal belief that this development here can only be good news for Kawartha Downs, said Orazio Valente, track general manager. “That is my personal sense as of right now, and that’s the reason why we’re postponing it.”
“We’ve had so many of them. But no news is good news, so let’s stay optimistic.”
Last fall, the Ontario Racing Association rejected an application for funding to double the length of the racing season at Kawartha Downs.
Track officials argue they will be losing significant revenue once the Shoreline Slots relocates to the new casino in Peterborough which is expected to open later this year. They fear without additional races, the track’s future could be jeopardized.
“There was no one here from the province and there was a press conference cancelled today because something is going on in the background. I read into that something positive is happening, because the press conference would’ve gone ahead,” said Scott McFadden, mayor of Cavan-Moaghan Township.
A future date for the announcement or press conference wasn’t released.