The Mohawk Inn and Conference Centre, which is situated directly southeast of Woodbine Mohawk Park in Campbellville, Ont., has for decades been an institution for many local horsepeople. It has now been announced that the Mohawk Inn will soon be closing for a two-year period.

News of the upcoming closure comes courtesy of an article by insidehalton.com, which states that the current 52-year-old building will be replaced with a new conference facility and hotel.

Shawn Saulnier, who co-owns the Mohawk Inn and Conference Centre along with Bridget Saulnier, told insidehalton.com that construction is expected to take 18 months, followed by a six-month period of readying the facility for customers and guests.

An exterior shot of the Mohawk Inn and Conference Centre.

The Mohawk Inn and Conference Centre is expected to close on December 15, 2019, according to Shawn, who stated that a ‘farewell’ to the current area landmark will be taking place that day after the Campbellville Santa Claus Parade.

“We want to do what we’ve been doing (at the Mohawk Inn), but bring it up a notch,” said Shawn, who is planning contemporary and forward-looking version of the area staple.

He went on to say, “putting up a new hotel, we’ll be able to have all the modern amenities and still have a high-quality food and beverage program. We’ll be able to create a green facility. We’ll have more rooms and larger rooms, larger meeting halls.”

Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson told Trot Insider that the plans for the Mohawk Inn would not have any impact on future development on the Woodbine Mohawk Park property.

"I do not believe so," said Lawson. "It is likely that any hotel on our site would be built by the gaming operator and do not think the plan next door will be a significant factor."

(With files from insidehalton.com)