New GO Station at Woodbine Racetrack to Anchor Urban Development

June 26, 2025

TORONTO, June 26, 2025 — 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.”

About Woodbine Entertainment

Woodbine Entertainment is Canada’s largest horse racing operator, offering premier Thoroughbred racing at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and Standardbred racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Milton. We also own and operate HPIbet, the country’s only dedicated horse racing wagering platform. Home to iconic events like The King’s Plate, the Pepsi North America Cup and multiple Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races, our venues host some of the sport’s most prestigious moments. As an organization that operates like a not-for-profit without share capital, Woodbine reinvests all profits into the horse racing industry, supporting upwards of 25,000 jobs across Ontario and helping secure a sustainable future for the sport.

Stay up to date on all the news and information for Woodbine Racetrack by bookmarking and following our websites and social feeds.

Website: Woodbine.com
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GO Station Announcement Community Quotes:

Horsemen's Benevolent Protective Association of Ontario (HBPA):

“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.”

— Sue Leslie, President, Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario (HBPA)

Woodbine Trainer

“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.”

— Kevin Attard, Trainer, Sovereign Awards’ Trainer of the Year 2024

Humber Polytechnic

“The announcement of a new GO Station in our community will make a real difference for Humber Polytechnic and the people we serve. Improved transit and new housing mean better access to education, jobs, and daily essentials for our students, employees, and neighbours. This is a meaningful step toward building a more connected and inclusive community. We’re proud to work with Woodbine Entertainment and the Government of Ontario to help shape a future that’s accessible, affordable, and built for everyone.”

— Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO, Humber Polytechnic

LiUNA Local 183 & LiUNA OPDC

“The construction of the new GO Station at Woodbine, along with the broader Woodbine Development project, is already creating meaningful job opportunities for our members. Together, these projects are not only improving vital transit infrastructure, they’re driving large-scale growth, generating thousands of good-paying jobs for LiUNA Local 183 members, and playing a key role in strengthening the communities where our members live and work.”

— Jack Oliveira, Business Manager, LiUNA Local 183 & LiUNA OPDC

Helmets to Hardhats Canada

“Woodbine's new development is a significant investment in Ontario’s construction workforce. With over 40,000 jobs created, this project will offer meaningful pathways into skilled trades for many — including the Veterans and Reservists we serve at Helmets to Hardhats. We’re proud to call Woodbine a partner and will continue supporting initiatives that help Canada’s heroes transition into rewarding, long-term careers.”

— Jim Hogarth, National Executive Director, Helmets to Hardhats Canada

Youth Without Shelter

“Youth Without Shelter has been part of the Rexdale community since 1986, supporting youth experiencing homelessness by providing care, skills development, and a path to independence. Connected communities are, at their core, people-centred environments offering accessible services such as integrated daycare, medical care, recreation, transit, and, most importantly, affordable housing. Youth Without Shelter looks forward to continuing our work with long-time partners, Woodbine and the Province of Ontario, to make Rexdale an even more vital and vibrant place to live, work, and play.”

— Steve Doherty, Executive Director, Youth Without Shelter

Trust 15

“The announcement of a new GO Station and the development of a community around it is not just about buildings and tracks, it’s about unlocking opportunity. For the youth and families of Rexdale, this means greater access to education, employment, and hope.”

— Marcia Brown, Founder & Executive Director, Trust 15 Youth Community Support Organization 

Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario (PBCTCO)

“This project means thousands of great union jobs that will transform lives and strengthen communities. It’s a bold investment in Ontario workers — and a shining example of what happens when labour and leadership build together.”

— Marc Arsenault, Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer, Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario (PBCTCO)

Ontario Roadbuilders’ Association (ORBA)

“This transformative housing and infrastructure development on the grounds of Woodbine Racetrack represents an incredible opportunity to not only boost the local economy but also to establish a thriving, connected community which serves as a model for sustainable design and growth. On behalf of Ontario’s infrastructure industry, we are proud to support the team at Woodbine for leading this innovative and bold vision for the future of Toronto, and we look forward to further partnership and collaboration to realize this ambitious project.”

— Walid Abou-Hamde, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Roadbuilders’ Association (ORBA).

MEDIA KIT: Woodbine Media Kit