A new Metrolinx GO Station at Woodbine Racetrack will anchor one of Canada’s most ambitious urban developments — a vibrant, transit-connected urban centre in northwest Toronto that will deliver tens of thousands of new homes, jobs, and economic opportunities. Centered around the historic racetrack, the project will also create new revenue streams to support horse racing, a sport with a 250-year history in Canada.
Situated on 684 acres of land — the largest undeveloped parcel of land remaining in the City of Toronto — the project will bring new life to Rexdale through smart, sustainable design, all anchored by the world-class racetrack and Canada’s longest continuously run sporting event, the King’s Plate.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create something truly special for Toronto,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “At the heart of this new urban centre will be Woodbine Racetrack, a cultural landmark that will now also serve as the centrepiece of a thriving, inclusive and connected city within a city.”
The project will be unlocked by Woodbine Entertainment’s committed partnership with Metrolinx and $170 million investment towards the new GO Transit station on the Kitchener Line. The station will be less than 30 minutes from Union Station and will seamlessly connect with UP Express and Pearson International Airport, making Rexdale a transit hub for the first time in its history and unlocking new economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
The new urban centre will take shape over the next 25 years, supporting an estimated 43,000 construction jobs — helping address housing affordability and employment needs in one of Toronto’s most underserved areas.
The development will include affordable housing, including new accommodations to replace the existing dormitories for backstretch workers who care for the 1,700 horses stabled at Woodbine, further weaving the legacy and future of horse racing into the fabric of the community.
Woodbine Entertainment, which operates like a not-for-profit corporation, will develop and retain ownership of the land and explore strategic joint ventures to generate ongoing revenue that will continue to support horse racing in Ontario. But for residents and visitors, the promise of the project is about much more.
“This isn’t just about building housing. It’s about creating a complete community, a connected urban centre, with culture, entertainment, green space and horse racing at the heart of it all,” added Copeland. “On behalf of Woodbine Entertainment, I want to sincerely thank Premier Ford and the Government of Ontario, including Minister Sarkaria, Minister Surma, and their dedicated teams, as well as Mayor Chow, Councillor Crisanti and City of Toronto staff for helping bring this bold vision to life.”
Sue Leslie, President, Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario (HBPA), remarked, “The HBPA recognizes the importance of Woodbine’s property development plans and the significant role they can play in generating new and recurring revenue to support horse racing and purses in Ontario for generations to come. We appreciate Woodbine’s commitment to engaging with the horse racing community throughout this process. The formation of the HBPA advisory committee, is a positive step towards ensuring that the needs and perspectives of our horse people are considered as the property development moves forward.”
Sovereign Award-winning Woodbine trainer Kevin Attard, said, “Horse racing has been a way of life for my family for generations — it’s not just a career, it’s part of who we are. I believe Woodbine’s property development plans represent an important step toward building a bright future for our sport. Creating new sources of revenue beyond wagering is a smart and necessary move to help ensure that other families, like mine, can continue to build their lives around racing for generations to come. This is a great step forward for the long-term health of the industry we all care so deeply about.”
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