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John MacMillan

Communications Director for the National Capital Region Harness Horse Associatio

John MacMillan has spent his entire career in the horse racing industry. At Rideau Carleton Raceway, Ottawa, John began as a race announcer, then race secretary, and, after earning his MBA from Queen’s University, he was promoted to general manager.

For the past 12 years John has been Communications Director for the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association, which he helped to establish. In this role, in addition to organizing and emceeing numerous charitable events each year, he coordinates communications with media organizations and the Ontario government on behalf of horsepeople throughout Eastern Ontario. John’s most recent project has been his establishment of Casino Choice Ottawa and its accompanying website and Facebook page. The aim of this project is to protect the livelihoods of the eastern Ontario racing community by maintaining the present casino site at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
New OLG Chair, But Casinos Still Getty

New OLG Chair, But Casinos Still Coming

The OLG continues to carve up the province into gaming zones and is actively seeking bidders capable of running multi-location gaming fiefdoms. It seems no matter which big name operator you choose, controversy and questionable behavior abound.
08/21/2013 01:10 EDT
Why the Rideau-Carleton Raceway is the Only Logical Choice for a Shutterstock

Why the Rideau-Carleton Raceway is the Only Logical Choice for a Casino

The OLG promoted its strategy as bringing $1.3 billion into the Ontario Government's coffers, but what people are slowly beginning to appreciate is that it isn't about the money. It's about the impact it will have on the horse racing industry, on communities and on people. The OLG and Mr. Melnyk would do well to realize it too.
06/27/2013 05:43 EDT