First step to turning Assiniboia Downs into urban reserve approved

WINNIPEG — A first draft plan for the expansion of Assiniboia Downs has been approved by a city committee.

On Tuesday councillors on the Assiniboia committee voted in support of the expansion. The first draft plan includes building an urban reserve and the creation of an entertainment hub with hotels, restaurants, shops and possibly a casino. The new development would compliment the existing race track.

“It’s an ideal area that already has a parking lot, already has services and access in and out. It’s an ideal area to develop,” Darren Dunn, the CEO of Assiniboia Downs said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's an ideal area that already has a parking lot, already has services and access in and out. It's an ideal area to develop," Darren Dunn, the CEO of Assiniboia Downs said.

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In 2013, the First Nation and the non-profit group that owns the track, partnered to develop a plan to turn part of the site into a ‘Racing and Entertainment Centre’ destination.

“It really paints the picture of a vision of what we’re looking to do with Peguis First Nation at Assiniboia Downs, but there are many steps to go,” Dunn said.

Chief Cindy Spence said this was a critical first step in the process of sharing the historical roots of Peguis First Nation with the province.

“We are looking forward to reasserting our presence in the city of Winnipeg,” Spence said. “Peguis has long roots here in and around the city.”
Assiniboia Downs said this is the first step of many, and now there is still a lot of preliminary work and studies to be conducted before the building begins.