Sauble Speedway exterior. (Claire McCormack/Bayshore Broadcasting News)
Sauble Speedway is looking to expand its offerings.
A representative for the racetrack owners came to South Bruce Peninsula council at a recent public meeting looking for an amendment to a zoning bylaw to allow for some more uses.
Ron Davidson, a planning consultant representing the speedway owners says they’re looking for ways to make the business more economically viable, noting racing is generally a ‘break-even’ proposition.
He says in order to make the summer racetrack business it more profitable, they’re looking at more uses on the property, and the current bylaw only allows racing.
It’s a roughly 10 hectare property with racetrack, race pit, and parking area. Municipal staff note the owners aren’t looking to construct new buildings, but rather to expand use of what’s currently there.
Those activities might include occasional event related camping (without campfires), electric go-karts (less noise), a portable drive-in theatre, trade shows, outdoor markets, amusement or fair attractions, festivals, concerts, outdoor educational and training activities, or outdoor storage for racing equipment, camping trailers and similar things.
“This is kind of on their list, not necessarily all of these things are going to happen,” says Davidson.
A municipal staff report says, “The intent of the application is to enhance the economic viability of the property by adding additional uses that are similar in nature to the existing use.”
The staff report notes the Sauble Speedway business has been operating on the site since 1969, over 55 years.
The proposed bylaw amendments will come back to council at a future meeting.
