Nordic Gaming Corporation, the owner and operator of Fort Erie Race Track,
held a meeting Monday with its horse racing employees to inform them that Fort
Erie likely will not be able to continue live racing in 2009. Nordic said it
would pursue every effort to try and find a way to continue racing in 2009, but,
due to regulatory requirements that the track must comply with, the employees
were advised that their employment will be terminated effective March 31, 2009.
The notice immediately impacted approximately 190 employees.
Nordic said the decision was a difficult one for the company, and one that
has been delayed for several years. The company spent the last two years
focusing on efforts to “Save the Track.” Over that time, company officials say
every effort has been expended to find a solution to keep the track operating.
Nordic has, and continues to work, with all of the stakeholders, including the
various Unions and their members. However, the company stated that it is unable to
continue to absorb the substantial operating losses year after year, and hence
the reason for the decision to begin preparing for closure.
The company will be working with its employees and their union
representatives to keep them informed of all significant information in the
coming weeks and months. In that regard, Nordic will comply with its obligations
under their collective agreements as well as with the Employment Standards Act.