Former Mayor Calls Closure ‘A Betrayal’
The sudden closure of Fraser Downs has unleashed a heated debate over the future of the site and its impact on the Surrey economy. Former Surrey mayor Doug McCallum blasted current mayor Brenda Locke for what he calls a betrayal of both workers and Cloverdale’s heritage.
Operators of Fraser Downs confirmed on August 15 that the track will not reopen, marking the end of nearly 50 years of standardbred racing. The City of Surrey exercised its “lease recapture rights,” reclaiming the site from Great Canadian Entertainment, which operates Elements Casino and the racetrack.McCallum Slams Leadership
McCallum called the decision “a devastating blow to Surrey’s economy, its heritage, and working families.” In a statement released through the Safe Surrey Coalition, he accused Locke of dismantling an entire industry.
“Trainers, breeders, jockeys, and workers with unique skill sets are now out of work,” McCallum declared. “These aren’t jobs that can be replaced overnight. She has destroyed an industry just to push through her ego-driven redevelopment schemes.”
He emphasized that more than 200 workers, along with families relying on breeding and racing, would feel the loss most deeply.
Mayor Defends Redevelopment Plans
Mayor Brenda Locke defended the city’s decision, stressing that Cloverdale’s future depends on revitalization. “To plan responsibly, the City is ending its lease with Fraser Downs so we can begin the critical planning and pre-construction work,” she explained.
Locke pointed out that the 12-acre site occupied by the racetrack and barns will help support new housing, cultural facilities, and improved infrastructure. The redevelopment will also complement the new Cloverdale hospital and cancer centre currently in progress.
“This is a city-building decision about using public land for the greatest public good,” Locke said, adding that the city “carefully weighed” the impact on workers.
A Heritage Lost
Fraser Downs first opened in 1976 as Cloverdale Raceway before adopting its current name in 1996. For decades, the 5/8-mile oval track served as a hub for standardbred harness racing and a point of pride for Cloverdale.
The closure comes amid ongoing struggles for the horse racing industry, worsened by a rat infestation lawsuit involving the site’s barns earlier this year. Although racing ends, the grandstand and Elements Casino will continue to operate unaffected, along with Yuk Yuk’s Surrey.
What’s Next for Cloverdale?
While McCallum argues Cloverdale’s roots are being “bulldozed,” Locke insists the community stands to gain from redevelopment. New housing, public spaces, and recreation facilities are expected to transform the area into a vibrant hub supporting future growth.
Whether this decision strengthens Surrey’s economy or dismantles part of its heritage remains a debate that will shape the city’s future.
Stay tuned to Surrey Speak for updates on Surrey’s development and the voices shaping its future.
