Horse Racing Ends in Surrey as City Redevelops Fraser Downs

UPDATE: Horse racing at Fraser Downs in Surrey, B.C. has ended immediately, marking a significant shift in the region’s land use after nearly 50 years of operation. The city is reclaiming the land for redevelopment, prioritizing housing and public amenities.

The abrupt closure was announced by Great Canadian Entertainment on Friday, following the termination of the lease by the City of Surrey, which owns the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. The adjacent Elements Casino Surrey will remain operational, but the racetrack’s closure is a pivotal moment for local horse racing enthusiasts.

Mayor Brenda Locke stated, “Our city is growing rapidly toward one million residents. Ending the lease with Fraser Downs allows us to begin critical planning to revitalize the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.” The ambitious redevelopment plan includes a new $3 billion hospital, additional housing, public spaces, cultural facilities, and expanded recreational amenities.

Fraser Downs, initially opened in 1976 as Cloverdale Raceway and renamed in 1996, has been a vital hub for standardbred horse racing and training in Metro Vancouver. The closure comes just months after a rat infestation led to the temporary shutdown of the stables, disrupting operations and raising concerns among horse owners and trainers.

Locke emphasized the city’s respect for the long history of horse racing in Surrey, stating, “We carefully weighed those impacts against the city-wide benefits of revitalization.” This decision reflects a broader trend towards urban development in the face of growing population pressures.

The closing has significant implications for the local horse racing community, which includes around 218 members employed during racing seasons. Many are now left without a critical facility for housing and training their horses. The impact of this closure is compounded by a recent legal battle, with Harness Racing B.C. challenging the racetrack’s temporary closure but ultimately losing in May when the B.C. Supreme Court ruled that the situation did not constitute “irreparable harm” to the industry.

This urgent development signals a new chapter for Surrey, as city officials prepare to transform the Cloverdale Fairgrounds into a modern urban center. As plans unfold, residents and stakeholders will be watching closely to understand how these changes will shape the future of their community.

For updates on the redevelopment and its impact on the local community, stay tuned as this story develops.