City of Lacombe is backing a local horse racing track’s bid to expand its gaming options.
Track on 2 Horse Racing and Event Centre wants to become a designated Racing Entertainment Centre under Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis regulations. It would allow the venue to install slot machines, putting it on par with the province’s other four horse racing tracks in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge and Grande Prairie.
Track on 2’s application was turned down last month but the decision has been appealed. A hearing has not yet been set, said Kurt Belich, co-owner of the facility near Highways 12 and 2 interchange just west of Lacombe.
Belich did not want to comment in detail on his proposal while the appeal process is underway other than to say he believes they have a strong proposal that would provide a lot of benefit to the region. Besides horse racing, Track on 2 hosts musical and other events, has a VLT lounge and the Funky Monkey Kitchen and Bar.
Lacombe city council says in a letter to Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis it is disappointed Track on 2’s application was turned down and potential new jobs and visits lost.
“The decision means our residents and visitors will miss out on the much-needed live entertainment venue,” says council’s letter.
“Further, there is also a new commercial development immediately north of of the Track on 2 that was expecting to see exponential growth given its proximity to the site,” says the letter referring to the Midway Centre development.