The Flamborough Chamber of Commerce (FCC) is starting off 2013 with a double header!!

Wednesday, January 16 starts with a morning meeting where Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale MPP – and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in the Dalton McGuinty provincial Cabinet – Ted McMeekin will be our special guest. Considering all that is going on at the provincial level (Liberal leadership contest to choose a new premier and proposed changes to the provincial ‘slots and trots’ programs), MPP Ted’s visit is especially timely. There will be a question and answer session after MPP Ted presents some formal opening comments.

This meeting will be different from normal meetings of the Flamborough Breakfast Club. Yes, it will be held at the Dutch Mill Country Market on Millgrove Side Road. BUT, it will not offer breakfast (just coffee and tea) AND it will start at 7:45 a.m. (instead of the usual 7:15 a.m.). In addition, there is NO registration fee … BUT – as space is limited – pre-registration with the FCC office is required.

To register, please click HERE.

To complete the Wednesday, January 16 double header, there will be an evening public ‘information session’ to discuss the possibility of Hamilton hosting a a new casino (more than just slots). An initiative of Ward 14 (West Flamborough) Councillor Robert Pasuta and Ward 15 (East Flamborough) Councillor Judi Partridge, this is a city-sponsored meeting that is open to the public and pre-registration is not required. FCC Executive Director Arend Kersten will moderate the meeting.

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has announced it is ‘modernizing’ operations that will see expanded gaming facilities in 29 ‘zones’ across the province run by private operators under contract with – and oversight of – the OLG. These expanded gaming facilities will only be located in ‘willing host’ municipalities with demonstrated public support. The bottom line is that all this could result in closing the current OLG slots at Flamboro Downs.

The FCC is very concerned about the potential ‘double whammy’ to Flamborough’s economy if – coupled by the end of the province’s partnership with Ontario’s horse racing industry – the slots at Flamboro Downs are boarded up. That’s why it is so very important that the community takes advantage of these two public meetings to express its opinions about the possible changes to the provinces ‘slots and trots’ programs.

The Wednesday evening meeting will be held at Waterdown District High School (WDHS) beginning at 6:30 p.m. It is expected there will be significant media coverage of both meetings.