Canadian Motor Speedway was a proposed motorsports park that was planned to be built in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada.
The speedway had been given until 2020 to begin construction before the government revokes the zoning privileges necessary for the project to go forth; its developers emerged weeks before that deadline to request an extension, citing a change in financial backing.
This design was planned to be unique in providing a "stadium section" for the road course that will utilize the permanent seating of the oval.
The road course paddock area would have also been the location of light industrial buildings for race teams and motorsport related shops.
A Research and Development campus, in collaboration with McMaster University's Faculty of Engineering, Niagara College, and other education partners was announced to be constructed on the southern portion of the site.
This R&D Centre / Innovation Park portion of the development was limited to 80 acres (32 hectares) by the Special Policy Area Zoning By-law.
On July 7, 2014, a Memorandum of Understanding with Niagara College was signed to also explore the potential for CMS to host classes, co-op students and post-graduate placements in automotive power programs as well as hospitality, renewable technologies, innovation, media, business, and more.
Previous attempts at a speedway in Niagara, were made by other individuals and failed primarily due to lack of resources, a workable business plan, and a flawed development strategy.
A complete review of the business model coupled by the formulation of alliances with Jeff Gordon Inc., and other development partners resulted in an opportunity that would meet investor expectations while creating significant value for local communities in the area.
Following 14 months of comprehensive studies, that included 22 reports, the planning submission for a special policy area was made to the Town of Fort Erie and Region of Niagara in February/March 2009.
[10][11] The 821 acres (332 hectares) site of the Canadian Motor Speedway is considered a Special Policy Area for the use of motorsport related activities.
[14] On September 11, 2014, Jeff Gordon was in Toronto for the 'Chase Across North America' Sprint Cup Championship media tour and spoke of Canadian Motor Speedway.
Developers refused to build the speedway unless an exit ramp is constructed for it off the Queen Elizabeth Way, a proposal the Ontario government at the time opposed (it was deposed in the 2018 elections).
In spring 2021, the owner, still unable to secure replacement funds, began putting some of the peripheral land up for sale; surrounding landowners noted that he had not approached them about buying the necessary parcels to allow the project to move forward.