Should Woodbine development plan be a blueprint for other tracks?

by Bob Duff

Survival mode seems to be the constant state for racetracks. To their credit, they keep finding ways to fight on when outsiders are ready to write them off.

Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) may be on to something that every racetrack operator should be watching, studying, and figuring out how they can make it work at their track.

Woodbine is working in conjunction with the City of Toronto on a large-scale, mixed-use, complete community. The project is being planned for implementation at Woodbine. It would redevelop underutilized lands on Woodbine’s property The long-term vision focuses on approximately 70 per cent of the 684 acres of land owned by WEG. It would introduce new homes, jobs, parks, retail, and public spaces.

At the same time, the plan would ensure the racetrack and associated training and operations areas remain active and integrated on the site.

On paper, it appears to be a win-win for everyone involved. The city gets land to build much-needed affordable housing. Woodbine’s horsepeople will gain a new method to create revenue to help maintain

the track’s horse racing product.

The racetrack will continue as a defining cultural and community asset, complementing the surrounding development. The goal is to deliver a place where sport, housing, green space, and daily life intersect, honoring the past while supporting modern city life.

The lands will continue to be stewarded by WEG, Canada’s largest horse racing operator.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create something truly special for Toronto,” Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment, said in a statement. “At the heart of this new urban center will be Woodbine Racetrack, a cultural landmark that will now also serve as the centerpiece of a thriving, inclusive, and connected city within a city.”

HOUSING WILL INCLUDE SPACE FOR HORSE RACING COMMUNITY

The development will feature affordable housing, including new accommodations to replace the existing dormitories for backstretch workers who care for the 1,700 horses stabled at Woodbine.

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,” Copeland said. “It’s about creating a complete community, a connected urban center, with culture, entertainment, green space and horse racing at the heart of it all.”

RACETRACK AREA WILL REMAIN UNTOUCHED

While there’s natural concern and speculation about the future of horse racing at all tracks, this project certainly seems to be a change for the better as far as that element of the equation is concerned.

Woodbine officials are assuring all that not only is the future of horse racing at the facility safe, but a key component of this project is also to ensure that remains the case for many years to come.

The racetrack and gaming operations, representing approximately 200 acres, will remain on site and continue to support daily operations.

The new development is intended to modernize certain facilities and improve operations where appropriate. The ultimate objective is to ensure a strong and sustainable future for horse racing in Ontario.

The Woodbine horsepeople are being given input on the plans for the development.

“We appreciate Woodbine’s commitment to engaging with the horse racing community throughout this process,” Sue Leslie, president of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario (HBPA), said in a statement. “The formation of the HBPA advisory committee is a positive step towards ensuring that the needs and perspectives of our horsepeople are considered as the property development moves forward.”

The plan builds on Woodbine’s long-standing legacy while responding to Toronto’s growing need for housing, jobs, transit, and public spaces. A new GO Train station is being constructed at Woodbine. It will mean that it will be possible to travel on public transit from downtown Toronto to Woodbine in 30 minutes.

WEG officials see this as an opportunity to reconnect the site with the surrounding city. The hope is to make Woodbine a destination, to evolve it into a vibrant, connected community that reflects the unique identity and context of Woodbine. The creation of this development will also allow WEG to reinvest in racing facilities, support track employment, and strengthen long-term sustainability.

ALMOST ALL RACETRACKS HAVE LAND TO SPARE

If there’s one thing that virtually every racetrack has in abundance, it’s land — real estate, so to speak. Developers and governments in many areas are looking for places to construct affordable housing.

There appears to be a real opportunity for the industry to take advantage of that reality.

Golf courses have developed similarly-styled projects, building homes that back onto course layouts, folding them into the fabric of the area. It’s an ideal place to live if you’re a golfer.

Why couldn’t there be similar complexes for horse racing fans? Imagine homes, condos, and apartments that are adjacent to the track? Even if they aren’t horse racing fans to start, it only figures that curiosity is going to draw some of the residents to check out what the track has to offer.

This project is in its infancy. A study began in November 2025, undertaken by the City of Toronto Planning staff. The objective is to complete the study within 18 months.

It will be fascinating to watch as progress is made. This is set to be an intriguing development for Woodbine, for Toronto, and for the future of the horse racing industry.