Surrey Ends Horse Racing at Fraser Downs for Major Redevelopment

Horse racing at Fraser Downs in Surrey, British Columbia, has officially ceased after nearly five decades, as the City of Surrey reclaims the land for redevelopment. The closure, announced by Great Canadian Entertainment on March 15, 2024, takes effect immediately, while the adjacent Elements Casino Surrey will continue operations.

The City of Surrey, which owns the Cloverdale Fairgrounds housing the racetrack, has terminated the lease with Great Canadian Entertainment. According to Mayor Brenda Locke, the land, spanning approximately five hectares, will be integrated into broader redevelopment plans for the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. These plans include new housing developments, a proposed $3 billion hospital, public spaces, cultural facilities, and enhanced recreational amenities.

“Our city is growing rapidly toward one million residents,” Locke stated. “Ending the lease with Fraser Downs allows us to begin critical planning to revitalize the Cloverdale Fairgrounds and Town Centre. This is a city-building decision about using public land for the greatest public good.”

Fraser Downs has been a significant venue for standardbred horse racing since its opening in 1976, initially branded as Cloverdale Raceway before its rebranding in 1996. The racetrack is the only facility in British Columbia dedicated to standardbred horses, playing a crucial role in the local racing community.

The announcement follows a controversial period for Fraser Downs, marked by a rat infestation that led Great Canadian Entertainment to close the stables in late May 2023. This closure impacted horse owners and trainers who relied on the facility for training and housing their animals ahead of the racing season.

In response to the closure, Harness Racing B.C. filed a legal challenge, arguing that the temporary shutdown would cause significant harm to the industry, affecting approximately 218 members and up to 100 jobs during the racing season. However, the B.C. Supreme Court ruled in May that the closure to address the infestation did not constitute “irreparable harm,” leading to the eventual end of racing at Fraser Downs.

“We respect the long history of horse racing in Surrey and the people connected to it,” Locke remarked. “We carefully weighed those impacts against the city-wide benefits of revitalization.”

With the closure of Fraser Downs, the future of horse racing in Surrey remains uncertain. The decision underscores the balancing act cities face in urban development while considering the heritage and interests of local communities. As Surrey embarks on this new chapter, the impact on the racing industry and its stakeholders will continue to unfold.