Truro Raceway has provided an update on the multi-million dollar renovations to the C.A. Douglas Grandstand that hosts harness racing and community events.
The much needed safety and functionality upgrades to the 39-year-old, 431-seat C.A. Douglas Grandstand at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition was announced in July 2020 by the provincial government and originally scheduled to be completed in March 2021.
Already 16 months behind schedule, the project now has an undefined completion date, however, Truro Raceway has shared that fans are expected to have access to an indoor area towards the end of the season when the cold weather hits in November, according to a new tentative timeline.
Truro Raceway's full statement on the progress appears below.
"We would like to take a moment to thank all of our fans for your continued patience throughout the grandstand reconstruction process.
"As many longtime fans will know, the grandstand building at the outset of this project was in desperate need of both safety and functionality upgrades. The reconstruction has undergone multiple stages and, in some cases, additional delays in order to do things right and in the best interest of fan safety for years to come.
"Currently, the provisional timeline suggests that we will have access to an indoor space in November of this year. Though provisional and not a total completion date, we are hopeful we will be able to provide fans with an area to come in from the cold towards the end of the season.
"All of our staff, volunteers, and stakeholders are as eager as anyone to have a completed grandstand that will certainly enhance the entire fan experience.
"The last few years have been difficult for many reasons and we appreciate the patience and loyalty of our horse-people and fans. It is for each of you and your love for this sport that we persist and look forward to the coming chapters at Truro Raceway."
(With files from Truro Raceway)