The 2022 Thoroughbred racing season is set to open April 16, the first time in two years opening day will not be delayed since the COVID-19 pandemic descended on the world. Horses and horsepeople have moved back to the barn areas and training has begun on the training track. The main Tapeta track will be set to open for training in the coming weeks.
Horsepeople are well aware of the elaborate construction that continues at Canada’s biggest racetrack that, while delayed by the onset of the pandemic, is now percolating along. The multi-use development is touted by Woodbine Entertainment Group as a “city within a city” with shopping, offices, two hotels, and a performance venue alongside the expanded gaming facility.
The multi-tiered parking garage is close to completion while closer to the track, the casino expansion is ramping up. Part of the casino expansion are the hotels at trackside and one section of that area is visible as the biggest building. Closer to the north part of the property (far left in photo below) is a 5,000-seat multipurpose performance venue which will be flanked by multiple food and beverage offerings, plus the hotels including a pool, spa and retail facilities.
You can even see manmade ponds closest to Rexdale Boulevard (area between Highway 27 to the east and Highway 427 to the west).
Exciting times ahead for the Rexdale/Etobicoke area and Ontario horse racing.
March 6 photo of Woodbine construction featuring a theatre (forefront), expanded casino, and trackside hotel. (JM photo)
From March 2021, Woodbine detailed a map where the new development is being built.
Artist rendering view from E.P. Taylor turf course just east of grandstand of hotels.
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