[David1gray]

Racino being considered for Truro Power Centre

BIBLE HILL - The harness racing industry in Colchester County could be in store for a big shot in the arm.
The Millbrook First Nation, along with Harness Racing Nova Scotia, is exploring the idea of building a racino - a harness racing track and casino - in the Truro Power Centre.
"We want to enhance our site," said Lloyd Johnson, Millbrook's economic development officer. "We want to make the Power Centre a destination. It's on the map and we want to build on that."
Although the project is simply an idea at this stage, Johnson said Millbrook would like to construct a five-eighths-mile oval, complete with casino and a parking lot to accommodate 1,300 vehicles. The project would accompany a new hotel development in the Power Centre.
The band is drawing inspiration from the racino built in Charlottetown in 2005, a project that came with a $25-million price tag.
Although no estimate is in place for the Power Centre project, Johnson said the development would be a big boost to the harness racing industry throughout the province and the rest of the Maritimes because a percentage of the profits would be injected back into racing. It's already proven itself successful in Charlottetown.
"And the drawing area here is much bigger than P.E.I.," Johnson said. "We're right in the middle of the Halifax to Moncton corridor, so it fits and I think it's a doable thing."
The plans do not include barns for resident horses, only paddocks to house animals during race days. In such a case, Truro Raceway could still house its horses and the half-mile oval could be used as a training track.
Johnson said Millbrook's plan has been met with optimism from the racing community and the band has spoken to the provincial government and a company called Great Canadian, which operates several successful facilities in Ontario.
"We've been getting a lot of feedback urging us to keep going," Johnson said.
But Johnson acknowledged the project is going to need the co-operation of all parties involved, including the province, the Truro Harness Horse Owners Association, the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Commission, which currently operates Truro Raceway and Harness Racing Nova Scotia.
"There are so many players involved and we're going to need everybody behind us," Johnson said.
Truro Raceway general manager Andrew Kenny said he would be happy to get on board.
"Harness racing is in a difficult position so I think we need some innovative ideas and we want to be in the loop."
sports@trurodaily.com

http://www.trurodaily.com/News/Local...Power-Centre/1