Stables
Horseracing
has been a part of Northlands Park
since the organization’s start. The amount of energy and care put into
the sport and its key athletes remains hidden from the view of most race
spectators. Large facilities are needed to accommodate the horses. To
meet this need, stables were constructed as part of the 1910 Grand Design of
the permanent exhibition grounds.
Northlands'
original stable structures consisted of wood, and surrounded a large
portion of the racetrack. Animals were brought in for the racing season,
even kept over the winter months with rudimentary heating. Although this
arrangement seemed to function well enough, the threat of fires became a
looming issue.
With the support of the Western Canadian Racing Association, horse
owners, and architects, the EEA began work on the new facilities.
Diamond-Clarke and Associates, Reed Jones Christoffersen, and Angus
Butler and Associates began construction of the new stables complex in
1959. While construction was underway, animals remained in the old
stables. As new ones were completed, the animals were transported. The
new facilities were much safer, but as they were close to being
finished, a fatal fire occurred.
On 26 June 1960, a large blaze swept across the old stables. A lack
of onsite water reduced the ability to contain the flames and led to
multiple deaths. Rex Ireland, a horse owner and trainer, as well as 25
horses, lost their lives in the incident. The fire was a demoralizing
blow to the EEA, especially because the loss came so close to the
completion of new fireproof buildings.
Much thought had been put into the details of the new stables. They
were made from reinforced concrete and concrete masonry that addressed
fire hazards. Concrete was waterproof, created smooth walls that would
prevent accidental horse injuries, and had the density to absorb noise
that might infringe on the needs of neighbours.
The
new stables were winterized for sub-zero weather so that the horses
could comfortably occupy the space year-round. They were also heated and
had appropriate water access. Lining the stables' perimeters were metal
panels to provide some colour and keep the animals better protected.
By 1961, 725 stalls, 126 tack rooms, and an exercise paddock were
finished and ready for use. Despite the calamities that wreaked havoc on
the stable grounds, the EEA was successful in creating new and adaptable
stables that remain in use.
[back] [top]
|