On Thursday last week, the Millbrook Business Improvement Area received a hefty CA$25,000 donation from Kawartha Downs. This contribution is part of a three-year commitment to bring support for local businesses as well as a major revitalization project for the Romspen Investment Corp. race track in Fraserville, Ontario.
The donation was received by Millbrook BIA President Christine McCulloch just outside of the track., from John Mutton, who is Romspen Investment Corporation’s Project Manager and Government Relations Consultant. They were accompanied by several officials from the property and the Cavan Monaghan Township, such as Mayor Scott McFadden and Millbrook Ward Coun. Ryan Huntley.
One for the Future
Ms. McCulloch shared that the CA$25,000 comes at a great time for the organization, as its businesses are experiencing a rather difficult spell. In her words, the contribution would be of great benefit in the future, and it is a statement for their great relationship with Kawartha Downs. The Millbrook BIA is set to receive two more CA$25,000 donations, one in 2023 and one in 2024.
Mr. Mutton said that the horse racing facility will be organizing a supplier information night as a way of involving local downtown businesses in the said revitalization project for the track. He elaborated that the company wants to give local groups a chance to expand their business. In his words, it is important to keep the money local, in order to provide economic growth.
Romspen Investment Corporation believes that by transforming the racetrack into a destination resort, it would be able to provide many new jobs for locals, as well as further develop the local economy in the region. According to the company, it would also help with the ease of housing demands while also creating development opportunities for nearby lands.
Additionally, Mr. Mutton explained that the company is waiting for a response from the provincial government regarding its ministerial zoning order request. He believes that the company will get an answer by mid-February this year. Last but not least he shared that the project could break ground as early as this summer, but residential development will not start for at least two years.
December’s Report
Back in December last year, the company provided more details about the benefits of the revitalization plan. According to a report from the corporation, it would provide 588 new homes, which would be mix of housing, fully-serviced with streets and sidewalks. It would also bring 193 townhouses, 272 semi-detached and 123 detached houses. However, this stage will start after all entertainment areas are completed.
Dates Confirmed
Transitioning back to Kawartha Downs, last month, the track has received regulatory approval for its 2022 live racing dates from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. On December 15, 2021, the commission released its first batch of racing dates, which would see Kawartha Downs host a total of 18 racing dates in 2022.
Source: Burke, Brendan “Millbrook BIA receives $25K contribution ahead of planned Kawartha Downs revitalization”, The Peterborough Examiner, January 14, 2022
