Erin council recognizes equine industry as key to town’s identity

ERIN – Town councillors here have not only voiced support for the equine industry, but recognized it as a integral part of Erin’s identity. 

“I would say that of all the councils that I’ve been involved with, you guys are probably a leading edge on the support of the industry,” said Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) general manager Brian Tropea.

He delivered an April 23 presentation to council outlining the social and economic impacts of the industry in the province.

“The Ontario equine agricultural sector is a significant and diverse contributor to the provincial economy, encompassing racing, sport, recreation, breeding, training and a wide range of supporting businesses and services,” Tropea said.

“Rooted in Ontario’s agricultural landscape, the sector connects rural and urban communities, supports skilled employment across the province and delivers economic, social and environmental benefits that extend well beyond the sector itself.”

The presentation highlighted data from a recently completed economic impact study conducted by the OHHA.

“A lot of the Erin businesses were very supportive of helping us collect data for the study. A lot of the businesses put up our posters,” Tropea noted.

Economic significance

The equine industry supports approximately 35,700 full-time equivalent jobs across Ontario, according to Tropea, contributing an estimated $4.4 billion to the provincial GDP and $8.2 billion in total economic activity.

Employment levels are comparable to the Ontario dairy industry, council heard.

But despite the size of the industry and the economic boost a horse brings to local economies, Tropea said horse people aren’t recognized as a part of agriculture. 

Employment and workforce

“Employment spans agriculture, sport and recreation, tourism, professional services, skilled trades and small businesses,” Tropea said. 

“Jobs are predominantly skilled and semi-skilled requiring specialized training and hands-on experience.”

Tropea told council that, like other agricultural and animal care industries, the equine sector faces emerging labour supply and succession challenges.

Community benefits

Tropea also highlighted various community benefits of the sector, including rural employment, regional economic resilience and the preservation of agricultural land, trails and green space – particularly near growing population centres. 

He also highlighted the mental and physical benefits of the equine sector.

“These benefits align with provincial objectives related to health, community well being and sustainable land use,” Tropea said. 

Councillor Bridget Ryan asked Tropea how to “harness” the sector at home.

He replied people in the industry are too siloed. “Nobody talks to one another,” he said. He suggested bringing people together in an equine committee or business association is worth considering.

“To the layman a horse is a horse, but it’s not,” councillor Jamie Cheyne said in response, noting Erin is home to rodeo and cutting horses, among others.

“There’s a lot of work to try and find a common person or a common ground to carry on,” Cheyne said.

“We support you.”