Memo to Members: Stay At Home Orders Extended to May 20

April 17, 2021

Good Morning Members

As you are well aware the Provincial Government has announced a two-week extension and more restrictions to the current Stay at Home order for Ontario. COVID-19 positives and hospital admissions continue to rise in staggering numbers, we remind everyone to please be careful both at work and off the track.

The HBPA shares your frustration and disappointment about the delay to the season. We appreciate your continued patience and dedication to keeping our backstretch workers and horses safe.

Please be assured that the HBPA, Woodbine Entertainment and Ontario Racing continue to have regular communication with the Province and health officials in order to firm up a return to racing as soon as possible. Training horses remains authorized under the new order.

We remind all trainers to ensure you and your employees get their vaccine as soon as they are eligible to help us return to racing as soon as possible. Reminder to Trainers: Please return your Vaccination Form to Lesley Barker lbarker@hbpa.on.ca promptly, so we can inform workers that they are eligible for vaccinations based on their age and home postal code.  

Should your staff need help from the HBPA in booking an appointment please contact our Woodbine office cep@hbpa.on.ca /416-675-3802, Fort Erie, 905-871-3200, ex. 3249 or to the head office, lbarker@hbpa.on.ca / 416-747-5252 ext. 24.

It is imperative for everyone to continue to follow all safety protocols on the backstretch and abide by the Stay-at-Home order once you leave the property.

Thank you to owners and trainers for your patience. We will get through this and be back racing soon.