A Vision for the future

Redshores Reimagined: A Vision for the Future of Harness Racing in Atlantic Canada

Charlottetown, PEI — Author Meredith Walker has unveiled a bold vision to reimagine Redshores Racetrack & Casino and usher in a new era for harness racing in Atlantic Canada. Her plan calls for the repurposing of Redshores’ urban sites into vibrant community assets, while establishing a centralized, state-of-the-art racing and training facility between Charlottetown and Summerside.

Inspired by Woodbine Mohawk Park’s ship-in model, the proposed facility would eliminate permanent stabling, reduce overhead, and elevate standards of care and competition. The initiative blends tradition with innovation—preserving the spirit of harness racing while modernizing its infrastructure, oversight, and sustainability.

“This is not a farewell to racing—it’s a tribute to its legacy and a commitment to its future,” said Walker. “We have an opportunity to build something cleaner, safer, and more sustainable for generations to come.”

Vision Breakdown

Urban Redevelopment

Convert Charlottetown and Summerside racetracks into mixed-use developments featuring housing, retail, green space, and cultural venues

Stimulate economic growth through tourism, job creation, and urban renewal

Preserve the Redshores brand while evolving its physical footprint to serve broader civic needs

A New Centralized Racing Facility

Build a purpose-designed 1-mile track and training center between Charlottetown and Summerside

Adopt a ship-in model, modeled after Woodbine Mohawk Park, where horses arrive only on race day

Incorporate modern barn features: galvanized stall fronts, double blanket bars, bucket hooks, and puckboard partitions for hygiene and efficiency

Support year-round training and event hosting with flexible scheduling and conditioning amenities

Engineering and Infrastructure

State-of-the-art engineered track designed for optimal drainage, surface consistency, and shock absorption to reduce injury risk and enhance race performance

High-speed photo finish cameras for precision results

Advanced LED lighting and integrated sprinkler systems for visibility and dust control

RFID-enabled gated access and smart surveillance with 360° coverage

Predictive maintenance sensors embedded in track and facility structures

Eco-conscious design including stormwater management, energy-efficient utilities, and sustainable materials

Health Protocols and Environmental Integrity

Routine inspections and integrated pest control

Clean water access and sanitation protocols for horses and personnel

Mandatory equine health documentation:

Negative Coggins test (within 6 months)

Full vaccination record (tetanus, influenza, EHV, rabies)

Veterinary certificate (within 30 days)

Drug Testing Reform

Independent laboratory oversight with no ties to racing operations

Pre-race paddock testing by trained officers with authority to investigate and intervene

TCO₂ testing aligned with international standards

Regulatory officers empowered with investigative and warranting capabilities

Oversight and Licensing Reform

Revamp the Racing Commission with impartial adjudicators from Ontario’s AGCO system

Implement AGCO-aligned licensing protocols:

Mandatory fingerprinting

Transparent disciplinary processes

Elevated welfare standards

Strict exclusion of individuals with prior disciplinary or criminal records, prior suspensions and other infractions that deem them unfit.

With a vision toward a transparent, progressive approach to equine sport, Walker’s initiative aims to elevate harness racing through integrity, innovation, and community-centered development.