The target date for the opening of the new and improved Rideau Carleton Raceway is up in the air as construction continues on the expansion.
Located in Gloucester's south end, the raceway is undergoing $70 million worth of renovations, including the installation of 1,200 slot machines. This is the first phase of Rideau Carleton's expansion.
"It's difficult to say if we're behind or ahead," of schedule, says general manager John MacMillan. "There's no set time we have to open, but it will definitely be before the year 2000."The expansion will include a casino, which is part of an initiative by the provincial government to add slot machines to 13 racetracks across Ontario.
The casino is expected to attract 6,000 people a day, generating about $65 million a year. The raceway will collect about 10 per cent of that revenue, while horse racers take home another 10 per cent. The City of Gloucester will also get three per cent, which should amount to about $2 million per year. The city's share of the money will be split between community projects and capital projects.
"It's going to be so beautiful," says Gloucester Mayor Claudette Cain, who helped negotiate the provincial initiative with the Harris government.
Cain estimates the raceway will create about 433 jobs and will add economic spin-offs when visitors go to surrounding restaurants, hotels and retail facilities.
One of the beneficiaries of the raceway's increased traffic will be the nearby Raceview Golf Course.
"We look forward to it opening," says co-owner Steve Spratt. "People driving by your gate is always good for business." The golf course opened in June 1998. Spratt says the revamped raceway can only boost business.
The raceway owns about 300 acres of land, and Cain says there are several investors interested in a 120-acre parcel of undeveloped land. "There's certainly investors talking," she says, adding the businesses would complement the raceway.
Right now, MacMillan says the main focus of construction work is focused on the parking lot. The shell of the building is complete and the interior still needs work.
The building will feature a fountain at the entrance as well as a glass dome and valet parking.
Toronto-based contractor Zinc Construction is responsible for doing the renovations. However, many local firms have garnered sub-contracts, which MacMillan says are substantial. "The local contractors seem to be happy to have the work here. We're not talking small jobs. A lot of people in the community are really benefiting."MacMillan adds that management is set to hire 250 support staff for the food and beverage division in the coming weeks. There will be three restaurants as well as a retail component.
