New Woodbine GO Will Anchor 684-Acre Rexdale Community

A bold and sweeping transformation is underway in northwest Toronto. Woodbine Entertainment has begun construction on a brand‑new GO Transit station at its Woodbine Racetrack site, tucked inside a sprawling 684‑acre parcel in Rexdale. The move serves as the kickoff for a master‑planned urban centre that could reshape this part of the city.

This initiative brings together transit, housing, and heritage in a fresh, integrated vision. At the project's core: the Woodbine Racetrack — a cultural icon and home of the historic King’s Plate. With $170 million invested in the new GO station, Woodbine Entertainment is paving the way for tens of thousands of new homes, job opportunities, and a vibrant mixed‑use community.

City officials describe the plan as “a city within a city,” one that unfolds over 25 years and promises to generate around 43,000 construction jobs. The idea isn’t just to build housing, but to create a well‑connected community shaped by culture, green spaces, entertainment, and an enduring link to horse racing.

One standout feature is the focus on affordability and support for the racing community. Plans already include new housing for backstretch workers—trainers, jockeys, grooms, and veterinarians—who care for the 1,700 horses at the racetrack. This is paired with broader affordable housing options aimed at meeting the needs of the area.

Transit accessibility lies at the heart of the development strategy. The new Woodbine GO Station will sit on the Kitchener GO line and is expected to replace the capacity‑limited Etobicoke North station. It will offer 15‑minute rush‑hour service, link directly to the Union Pearson Express and Pearson Airport, and integrate bus, bike, and pedestrian access—all transforming Rexdale into a true transit hub.

Ultimately, Woodbine Entertainment — operating as a not‑for‑profit — will retain ownership of the site and explore strategic joint ventures to support long‑term investment. The goal is to ensure the revenue generated continues to help sustain the future of Ontario horse racing while delivering a new, sustainable urban heartbeat to Rexdale.