Horse-drawn carriage industry supporters in Victoria plan rally
Posted May 21, 2019 10:41 am.
VICTORIA – Supporters of Victoria’s horse-drawn carriages plan a rally on Thursday after learning city councillors have asked staff to examine phasing out the industry.
A council decision last week asked staff to consider the effect of phasing out horse-drawn carriage businesses by 2023.
Donna Friedlander, spokeswoman for the industry and also the owner-operator of Tally-Ho Carriage Tours, says the council request is shocking.
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She says the city reached a renewed, five-year agreement with carriage companies in 2018 and her business responded by investing in a new barn for its animals, while Victoria Carriage Tours purchased new horses.
Friedlander says the industry brings considerable tourism revenue to the region because, for many visitors, a horse-drawn ride through Victoria’s streets is on their bucket list.
The rally is set for 5:30 p.m., Thursday, outside city hall.
