Prairieland aiming to remove disused racetrack at Marquis Downs

The racetrack at Marquis Downs has been quiet since 2021, when horse racing at the track was discontinued.

Now, Saskatoon’s Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services will consider approving a request to remove the track, grandstands and horse barns in the city’s Exhibition neighbourhood in order to make room for a parking lot.

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“Horse racing is no longer occurring at Marquis Downs and the buildings are past their serviceable life,” read a report to the committee.

“Once the buildings are removed, the area will be developed as a gravel parking area.”

While the land is leased by Prairieland Park Corporation, the report noted that the city must provide written approval prior to any additional development or alteration of the site.

In addition to removing the vacant racetrack, Prairieland also asked the city to approve minor boundary alterations in order to improve functionality and other changes to the site, including a storage building for its horseshoe club, additional washroom facilities and relocating the Doukhobor building.

Approving the changes would have no financial implications for the city, the report noted, as all of the developments would be the responsibility of Prairieland.

“The proposed amendments are compatible with the existing design of the site and there were no items raised by Administration through the referral process that would preclude this application from proceeding,” the report added.

If the changes are approved, Prairieland will be required to submit plans and drawings, and obtain all the permits required for the work.

Councillors are set to discuss the proposed changes at the committee meeting on Wednesday morning.

The report also noted the Prairieland and city administration are in talks around “the use and redevelopment” of Prairieland’s sports bar, Sports on Tap.