An Industry on the Brink: The Heartbreaking Battle to Save Fraser Downs Racetrack and Hundreds of Livelihoods in Surrey

A wave of shock and anger is rippling through Surrey’s vibrant horse racing community as the iconic Fraser Downs Racetrack faces the very real threat of permanent closure. For many, it's not just a track; it's a way of life, a family tradition, and the cornerstone of their livelihoods. The proposed closure, stemming from a decision by Great Canadian Entertainment to relocate its gaming licence to a new casino facility at the Surrey-Delta border, has ignited a fierce battle to save an industry teetering on the brink.

The news has landed like a thunderclap, leaving hundreds of individuals – from dedicated trainers and skilled jockeys to tireless stable hands and a vast network of support staff – grappling with profound uncertainty.

"It's going to hurt a lot of people," laments one veteran trainer, voices echoing the widespread despair. The immediate concern is not just the loss of jobs, but the potential for an entire career path, built on generations of expertise and passion, to vanish overnight. Many have poured their entire lives, their savings, and their hearts into this sport, and now face an unimaginable void.

Beyond the human toll, the fate of the majestic horses themselves hangs precariously in the balance.

Fraser Downs is home to countless standardbreds, each requiring meticulous care, training, and a loving environment. If the track closes, where will these magnificent animals go? Concerns are mounting about potential displacement, inadequate rehoming options, and the very real risk that many could be left without the care they deserve.

This isn't just a business; it’s an ecosystem where humans and horses are inextricably linked, their destinies intertwined.

Fraser Downs isn’t merely a local attraction; it stands as the last remaining horse racing track in the Lower Mainland. Its closure would represent a catastrophic blow to British Columbia’s broader agricultural industry, severing a vital link in the chain that supports local farms, feed suppliers, veterinarians, and countless other related businesses.

For over a century, horse racing has been a cherished part of B.C.'s heritage, a legacy now threatened with extinction.

The community's response has been swift and resolute. Petitions are circulating, accumulating thousands of signatures from impassioned supporters. Protests have erupted, with banners and voices demanding that decision-makers recognize the immense social and economic impact of their actions.

Local NDP MLAs have publicly voiced their concerns, urging government intervention to protect the livelihoods and heritage at stake. "This is not just about a casino; this is about people's lives," stated one MLA, reflecting the growing political pressure.

Great Canadian Entertainment, however, maintains that the new casino will offer a "modern entertainment experience" and be situated in a "more convenient location." Yet, for those whose lives revolve around the thundering hooves and the spirit of competition at Fraser Downs, these assurances ring hollow.

They see a corporate decision that prioritizes profit over people, progress over tradition.

As the clock ticks, the fight to save Fraser Downs Racetrack intensifies. The community, bound by a shared love for horse racing and a fierce determination to protect their way of life, refuses to go down without a fight.

The question remains: will their impassioned pleas be heard, or will the final curtain fall on a cherished Surrey institution, leaving behind a trail of broken dreams and a silent track?