The City and a Vancouver-based developer are going back to the negotiating table after the developer successfully appealed a decision by council regarding a proposed apartment complex in Rosewood.
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Horse racing supporters pleaded with councillors on the city’s planning, development and community services committee on Monday to prevent the end of thoroughbred racing at Saskatchewan’s only track.
Prairieland Park Corp. earlier this year announced it plans to permanently end thoroughbred racing at Marquis Downs in Saskatoon and bring in Canadian Premier League soccer instead.
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Eight speakers addressed the committee, some pointing to generations of their families’ participation in the horse racing industry; others described how they came to the sport despite having no prior background with horses. Many emphasized the Indigenous connection to racing at Marquis Downs. All said closing the track would effectively end the industry in Saskatchewan.
By Brad Jennings
May 10, 2021 | 1:53 PM
Numerous speakers attended the City’s Planning and Development committee Monday regarding concerns over Prairieland Park’s shutdown of Marquis Downs.
Eddie Esquirol, President of the Saskatchewan Division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association says in addition to how horse racing benefits the province’s economy, agribusiness and employment, even more important is how it helps youth.
“I’ve seen at risk youth come to the track and work in the back stretch. Here they learn to care for animals, how to do chores, and how to work with mentors who come from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and will teach them responsibility and pride.”