Myriad attractions put Georgian Downs in driver's seat - Not surprisingly, some visitors to Georgian Downs focus on the harness racing. Race nights are Tuesdays and Saturdays, with an additional line-up offered on Fridays in the fall. Off-track betting is available daily in the horseshoe-shaped Longshot Lounge.
For others, the track offers an interesting backdrop or added value to a conference or banquet function.
Since opening in November 2001, the Innisfil facility has offered a variety of attractions from slot machines, fine dining and Sunday brunch, to karaoke and concerts.
New up this year, is a series of interactive murder-mystery dinner-theatre packages that have been very popular to date.
"We bring in actors from Toronto," says Food and Beverage Sales Co-ordinator Dale Yager. "It's a really fun evening."
For corporate groups, the facilities are varied. Mutual Hall, which is converted regularly into a concert hall, is also home to trade shows and fashion runways throughout the year.
Overlooking the hall is the Loft, an open-concept meeting room fully equipped with audio-visual (A/V) capabilities and popular for less formal gatherings of 10 to 50 people.
"It's often used as a breakout space to a bigger event," recalls Yager. "And it's great for a luncheon or party."
New for 2006 is a large projection screen that offers easy viewing of sporting events or the events outside on race nights, and can also be used in seminars or training sessions.
Corporate events that occur at Georgian Downs prior to the end of April can take advantage of the winter special that provides the use of any A/V equipment at no extra charge.
On the third floor is Rafters, a newly-renovated ballroom suitable for 20 people or 200, depending upon the desired configuration.
Also fully equipped for multi-media presentations, this room's most obvious focal point is its huge semi-circular window that overlooks the racetrack.
Spoked like the wheels of a sulky, this imposing feature can be blacked out if necessary or enjoyed for the natural light and views.
On race nights, this space can be employed as a private viewing area, complete with buffet, bar and service staff. On any night, it's also available as a fully functional hospitality room suitable for an elegant wedding reception or a casual cocktail party.
With the flexibility of the facilities, there is much room for creativity in preparing for an event.
For example, the glassed-in, all-season grandstand, obviously built to house racing fans, also has the appropriate acoustics for a 500-seat lecture hall.
Beside the grandstand is the tiered dining room with a view of track, but also a stage area and microphone perfect for an award ceremony or large company party. It can seat 300 comfortably.
Outside, tours of the Paddock, home to the horses, can be an interesting addition to convention packages or an instructional outing for school groups.
Patrons of the patio, that is open to the public for Friday-night karaoke, or can be booked for private barbeque banquets of up to 100, can watch the horses on race nights parade from the Paddock to the track.
Barrie residents can take advantage of the regular shuttle-bus service to the southern destination. Non-local guests can contact Dale Yager for packages available in partnership with area hotels.
Starting out as a bartender, just days after Georgian Downs first opened, Yager has watched its evolution with interest and pleasure.
"I'm very proud of the facility," she says with a smile. "I've watched things grow here - one thing better than the next from day one. The architecture itself stands alone."
The latest development she has witnessed is the purchase of the property by the British Columbia-based company Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.
"After meeting with them, we don't foresee any significant changes upcoming," she reports. "They seem happy with the way things are going."
Yager invites anyone interested in a tour to contact her directly at 705-726-9401 or view the video tour online at www.georgiandowns.com
