The 116 years old Edmonton’s Northlands Track in Alberta will close down after 2016 season of horse racing. We know of a number of eye catching fun places that goes to shatters because of a new investment plan and, well, the Northlands track is no different.
Vision 2020, as the redevelopment plan of Northlands track is known, will shut down the 64 hectares of the site on August 20, 2016 after the 87th running of a Canadian derby.
The Northlands Track is run by a non-profit organization and boasts of creating employment to over 7000 people in the province. Cathy Kiss, Northlands vice president said, “There is going to be change”.
Brian Bygrave, director of Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Alberta said, “Without Northlands, racing in Alberta would look awfully bleak”.
This does not go without saying that the industry will have to look at new venues. Horse owners and clients are concerned whether to breed their mares or to cancel their investments respectively.
There is a Balzac track but it is not yet complete since it has facilities of thoroughbred horse racing. Thoroughbred horses cannot use similar tracks to those of standard bred since they need stable and different track surface.
The only option left will be that of using local casinos to bet in the off track betting system.
The fall down of more than a century old racing track will bring rise to a new investment that will also benefit the community around Northlands track.
Virginia Park to the south and Bellevue to the east will benefit from increased amenities and their property values will be tripled as well. Safe to say it also has its perks.
Tony Caterina, Northlands councillor and board member said, “The possibilities are endless”.
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