

Chris Herhalt, CP24.com





The operator of Woodbine Racetrack and a property developer have entered into an agreement with an aim to bring a live concert hall to the area.

Woodbine Entertainment Group, who operate the racetrack and another facility in Halton, say they’ve signed a memorandum of understanding with Trinity Development Group to propose to build a 165,000 square foot entertainment complex next to the existing racetrack.

The two groups say the venue would sit on approximately three or four acres and contain seating for as many as 5,000 spectators.

Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson says the concert hall is part of their vision that would see “multiple forms of gaming, entertainment and horse racing” in the area.

Lawson says both groups would seek out a third-party to operate the proposed concert venue.

Trinity Development was the company responsible for the Lansdowne Live redevelopment of an ageing outdoor football and soccer stadium and hockey arena in central Ottawa.

The park now sports refurbished arenas as well as shops, a movie theatre and condominium towers.

Woodbine Racetrack currently hosts 3,000 electronic gaming machines, but no games that involve live dealers such as blackjack or roulette.

Toronto Mayor John Tory has previously said he would support additional gambling at the Woodbine site, so long as it came with additional development that did not involve gambling such as retail, dining or hotels.

The city receives about $15 million per year in hosting fees from Woodbine’s existing operation. The city's Board of Health has advised against expanding gaming operations at Woodbine.

In 2013, city council voted against expanding gaming at Woodbine and building a casino downtown.