July 24, 2025

Woodstock, NB — The Town of Woodstock has concluded its formal safety review of the Connell Park Raceway following the tragic accident earlier this summer. This review, conducted in consultation with legal counsel, Town staff, and Mayor and Council, reinforces the Town’s commitment to the safety of participants, organizers, and spectators at all events held on Town property.

Since the review began, Town staff have been working closely with all event organizers to assess and improve their individual event plans. The Town has engaged in detailed discussions with the Woodstock Driving Club, the association responsible for harness racing at Connell Park Raceway. The Club has implemented several changes to further enhance safety and has agreed to comply with additional Town requests, allowing harness racing to resume.

As part of this process, the Town has committed to engaging a third-party firm to help develop a more robust Event Guide for organizers hosting temporary events on municipal property. This guide will clearly outline the responsibilities of event organizers to assess and manage risks, develop emergency response plans, ensure proper facility and spectator management, and comply with all applicable permits, insurance and regulations. By providing this guidance, the Town aims to support organizers in delivering safe, successful, and welcoming events for all participants and attendees.

In March of this year, Council initiated a comprehensive Connell Park Area Revitalization study that remains ongoing, which includes the raceway and grandstand. With the assistance of a third-party expert, the goal of the study is to maximize the use of the entire Connell Park area grounds to their full potential. This will help us meet current and future needs for recreation and community events in our growing and diversified municipality. In parallel, the Town will proceed with further renovations over the coming months to the Connell Park Raceway, including upgraded fencing, pigeon mitigation, grandstand washroom upgrades and other enhancements.

The Town of Woodstock thanks all event organizers, participants, and community members for their patience and collaboration during this important process. We recognize that rescheduling events can be challenging, but the steps taken were necessary to ensure a sustainable path forward. We look forward to continued collaboration with event organizers to help us continue to grow and enhance the variety of events hosted at Connell Park Raceway, making it a premier destination for our community and visitors alike.