One of Alberta’s largest agricultural societies has announced it is getting out of horse racing.
Tim Reid, Northlands chief executive officer said this would be the last year of horse racing at Northland’s racetrack in Edmonton.
“It is with mixed emotions today that we talk about our partnership with (Horse Racing Alberta). What we do know, in co-cordination with horse racing is 2016 will be our last year in the horse racing business.”
Reid’s announcement was part of the Northland’s vision for the future of the 160 acre facility, including Rexall Place.
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The facility will become an athletic complex with seven sheets of ice across two levels, with the ability to be converted to host other indoor sports such as volleyball.
The casino and racetrack will become an urban festival centre. The multi-use public park will be able to host large scale festivals and outdoor concerns of 30,000 to 140,000 people.
Also planned is a 5,000-seat venue for professional lacrosse, rodeo events, minor hockey tournaments and mid-size concerts.
Shirley McClelland with Horse Racing Alberta said they are disappointed, but they are looking at other options for horse racing.
“We understood they had some really tough decisions to make with the loss of Rexall,” she said.
“We’re not sitting back. “We’re looking at options. This is a tough group of people,” said McClelland.
Edmonton is one of five racetracks across the province. Horse races are held on 259 days on tracks in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Grande Prairie and Millarville.
They estimate about 400 farms have a connection to horse racing and generate $254 million a year for the rural economy.
Horse Racing Alberta is also in discussions with the provincial government to renew its funding agreement, which expires at the end of March.
“That’s paramount that we have an agreement. And what’s in the agreement will lay the groundwork for how you operate.”
It will also be the last year the Canadian Finals Rodeo will be held at Northlands. Negotiations are underway to hold the event in the new downtown arena.
