New GO Station At Woodbine Racetrack To Anchor Urban Development

[Wandering Eyes]

A new Metrolinx GO Station at Woodbine Racetrack will anchor urban development and create new revenue streams to support horse racing, the track said in a release on Thursday.

Situated on 684 acres–the largest undeveloped parcel of land remaining in the City of Toronto–the project will bring new life to Rexdale through smart, sustainable design.

“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 center 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 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 connect with UP Express and Pearson International Airport, making Rexdale a transit hub for the first time in its history.

The new urban center 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.

Rendering of Woodbine Racetrack station | courtesy of Woodbine Entertainment

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

Woodbine Entertainment 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.

“This isn't just about building housing. 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,” said Copeland.

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