Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, owner and operator of the horse racing facilities at Flamboro Downs, is looking to allocate surplus land at the Flamboro site for the development of an outdoor amenity that will benefit the community. The surplus land includes two parcels which total approximately 50 acres.
In order to understand the needs of the community and what the project could entail, Flamboro Downs is initiating a feedback process through which local residents will have an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas about the land development.
"In recent conversations with community leaders and city administration, it was identified that the surplus land could be repurposed, so we are taking the first step. We are looking to create a mutually agreeable outdoor amenity that will support healthy lifestyles and add value for our neighbours as well as the entire area," said Bruce Barbour, Executive Director Racing Operations, Great Canadian.
The land could be developed to support amenities such as: an outdoor amphitheatre, running, walking or mountain biking trails, sports fields, outdoor recreation space or community gardens.
In light of the City of Hamilton's stated preference for gaming to remain at Flamboro Downs, Great Canadian is undertaking this planning exercise in order to explore the possible integration of public amenities that could complement any enhancements associated with a future upgraded casino and horse racing facilities.
"Around Flamboro Downs, we have a mix of young families and seniors who would benefit from an outdoor facility. It is important to keep our community healthy and having such a structure in place would be impressive," said Hamilton Ward 14 Councillor Robert Pasuta. "We need to make sure people have options to lead healthy outdoor lifestyles – especially seniors."
Ward 15 Councillor Judi Partridge believes there is lots of potential with this type of development as "Flamborough has an ever-growing number of young families, especially in Waterdown, and an outdoor amenity could become a wonderful recreation hub for the city."
Members of the community who are interested in providing feedback may do so by completing the survey. The survey will be available until June 9, 2017, after which Flamboro Downs will organize and host community workshops in order to gather further feedback and ideas.
For more information about the future development or to view a detailed map of the allocated surplus land, please visit flamborodowns.com.
(Great Canadian Gaming Corporation)