Opened in 1956 near Toronto Pearson Airport, Woodbine Racetrack hosts thoroughbred and standardbred racing. Its 684-acre master plan, developed by LWLP with BCV Architects, SWA Group, Nelson Nygaard, and others, envisions a “city within a city” of integrated districts.

The master plan enables Woodbine to continue as a destination for horse racing and gaming while envisioning new entertainment, cultural, and culinary offerings, as well as hotel, office, education, recreation, wellness, and residences. The first phase will include an expanded gaming district with integrated entertainment, hospitality, and related amenities.

BCV was engaged to develop a master plan and climate-responsive design guidelines that balance environmental performance, efficiency, and sustainability while establishing a character rooted in place. The guidelines address form, massing, materiality, façade composition, architectural features, and streetscape design, reflecting the site’s equine heritage. Their purpose is to elevate design quality, create a coherent, timeless environment, and establish a building language authentic to Woodbine and Toronto.