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Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) is the largest horse racing operator in Canada and the most innovative in North America.

WEG is recognized as a leader in the horse racing industry and strives to be a leading edge corporation when it comes to being a socially responsible corporation.

Environmental Stewardship

Environmental stewardship is a key corporate business strategy. Our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint is reflected throughout our business in a manner that minimizes environmental risk, maximizes energy conservation and water management.

Energy and Environmental Responsibility Policy

WEG’s Pesticide Policy

Press Releases

• Mar. 2009 - Going Green, How you can save the environment and your money. Read more...
• Mar. 2009 - Woodbine Entertainment Group To Support Earth Hour Read more...
• Mar. 2009 - The country's largest horse racing operation takes the lead. Read more...
• Oct. 2008 - Woodbine Entertainment Group Wins Sustainable Facilty Care Award (photo) Read more...
• Oct. 2008 - Grand Opening of New $11.5 Million Standardbred Paddock (photo) Read more...

Home > Awards/Recognition

• Recycle Council of Ontario – 2008 Silver Waste Minimization Award for Facilities Management
• JohnsonDiversey’s – 2008 Sustainable Facility Care Award
• Buildings Magazine’s - Who’s Who list for 2008 – Named with the top 44 Corporations in North America
• Building Owners and Managers Association - Power Partner Recognition Award for energy conservation and environmental stewardship
• Certificate of Recognition for the Corporation’s Leadership and Energy Conservation awarded by Peter Love, Ontario Chief Conservation Officer

Home > Recycling

As a waste generator WEG is committed to reducing the load on landfills and incinerators and invests considerable efforts into waste diversion. These efforts have resulted in cost savings as disposal rates increase, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an overall improvement in environmental performance.

• Unused computer equipment is directed to reputable computer re-furbishing companies;
• Old cell phones and used printer cartridges are donated to the charity “Phones for Food” to raise funds for local food banks;
• Manure and used straw removed and used for mushroom farming operation;
• Used wood shavings removed and used for compost and soil enrichment;
• Kitchen organic waste 100% recycled
• Cooking Oil and Greases 100% recycled
• Cardboard 100% recycled
• Glass bottles 100% recycled
• Waste paper from printing 100% recycled
• Metal 90% recycled
• Fluorescent bulbs 80% recycled

Awards & Recogntion

• Recycling Council of Ontario – 2008 Silver Waste Minimization Award for Facilities Management

Press Releases

• Oct. 2008 - WEG & U-Pak Announce Partners For The Planet (photo) Read more...

Home > Water Conservation

• The installation of the new state of the art Polytrack racing surface in 2006 reduced water consumption by 17.5 million gallons.
• In 2006/07 removed 25,000 cubic metres of sediment from storm pond to increase storage capacity, improve water quality and make more water available for reuse.
• Approximately 11.4 million gallons of water recycled from WEG’s five storm water ponds annually.
• Reduced water consumption with low flow fixtures and electronic faucets.

Home > Energy Conservation

Energy Management Initiatives

• Completed a $5.0 m energy retrofit, allowing WEG to reduce its energy by $500,000 per year.
• Installed SMARDT chillers at Mohawk requiring 50% less power consumption;
• Reduced summer energy consumption by more than 10% as a result of the building automation control system which identified inefficiencies.
• Installed motion sensors to turn off lights when offices, meeting rooms not in use;
• Received financial incentives of $92,241 for energy savings.

Awards & Recognition

• Certificate of Recognition for the Corporation’s Leadership and Energy Conservation awarded by Peter Love, Ontario Chief Conservation Officer
• Building Owners and Managers Association - Power Partner Recognition Award for energy conservation and environmental stewardship

Press Releases

• Jun. 2008 - Woodbine Entertainment Group To Rein In Power Consumption As Part Of Direct Energy’s Demand Response Program. Read more...
• Mar. 2008 - Woodbine Entertainment Group Redefines Horse Power - Works with Direct Energy to save $475,000 per year in energy costs. Read more...

Home > Energy and Environmental Responsibility Policy

Energy and Environmental Responsibility Policy

MISSION STATEMENT

Woodbine Entertainment Group is committed to providing world class entertainment in the horse racing industry, and world class leadership in the community it serves. In keeping with these commitments, WEG is committed to incorporating into its long term strategic planning, comprehensive on-going energy management and waste reduction programs, with a focus on long-term sustainability. Through a process of continuous responsible energy management and waste reduction practices using innovative technologies, too meet the challenges of global warming and preservation of the environment. This will provide a better future for our organization, the horse racing industry and the greater community it serves.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Leadership – WEG will strive to stay on the leading edge by investigating and investing in new and innovative technologies throughout its operations aimed at reducing its carbon foot print, to set the standard for the entertainment industry.

Transparency – WEG will communicate openly and clearly internally to the organization and externally to the industry and to the public, the successful management of our energy conservation and waste reduction efforts.

Partnerships – In order for this plan to be successful, WEG will engage employees through awareness training programs, and customers through advertising and signage. In addition, through prudent purchasing practices, contractors and suppliers will be encouraged to use and supply materials, which has a high recycle content or which can be reused or recycled, as well as, reduce the amount of waste it produces.

Balance – WEG acknowledges that the success of the energy management and waste reduction efforts must in no way compromise the product it produces or the comfort and safety of its customers.

Home > WEG’s Pesticide Policy

WEG’s Pesticide Policy

WEG strives to maintain its grounds and racing courses to a level where they are recognized locally and internationally as being in peak condition. WEG’s ground maintenance is comparable to any entertainment destination, and offers its visitors a consistently safe, enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing experience.

The occurrence of weeds, insects or disease damage can result in an inconsistent, unstable racing surface. This would have a fundamental negative impact on the sport of horse racing increasing the risk of injuries to both jockeys and horses.

WEG works within the bylaw restrictions while continuing to use pesticides as part of a sustainable management plan to prevent or to limit, unacceptable levels of pest damage and promote desirable plants and environments.

Recognizing and accepting the opportunity to demonstrate environmental leadership, WEG works with the City to develop plans that meet both operational and regulatory demands.