Surrey’s Fraser Downs racetrack has closed after nearly 50 years, marking the end of an era for harness racing and the Cloverdale community.
A Shocking End to a Local Landmark
The sudden closure of Fraser Downs racetrack in Cloverdale has left Surrey residents and the horse-racing community reeling. After nearly five decades of harness racing, the City of Surrey confirmed the lease for the track, barns, and backstretch has been terminated. The Elements Casino, which operates within the grandstand, will remain open.
A Historic Venue with Deep Roots
Fraser Downs opened in 1975, becoming a cornerstone of Surrey’s fairgrounds and a major attraction for harness racing fans across B.C. Managed for decades by the Keeling family through Orangeville Raceways, the venue helped grow the sport by building barns, expanding the grandstand, and hosting seasonal racing events that drew competitors and spectators alike.
Why the Track Closed
Mayor Brenda Locke said the city wants to revitalize Cloverdale’s fairgrounds and pursue new development opportunities for the 12-acre site once dedicated to racing. While acknowledging the racetrack’s long-standing cultural and economic impact, she emphasized the city’s vision for a broader future redevelopment of the area.
The Decline of Harness Racing
Industry challenges contributed to the decision. The rise of casinos in the 1990s and the growth of online gambling drew betting dollars away from racetracks. At the same time, costs of breeding and training horses increased, while attendance at live races steadily declined. These pressures made sustaining harness racing at Fraser Downs increasingly difficult.
How the Closure Affects the Community
For decades, Fraser Downs supported hundreds of jobs and related businesses in Surrey, Delta, and Langley, from trainers and breeders to farm operators. Its closure signals not just the end of an entertainment venue but also the loss of a hub for B.C.’s horse-racing community. Many long-time patrons and industry veterans have described the decision as the end of an era.
Looking Ahead
While the future of the site is still under discussion, the City of Surrey plans to prioritize revitalization projects in Cloverdale. For now, residents and racing fans alike are left reflecting on the loss of a unique local institution that shaped Surrey’s cultural and economic landscape for nearly 50 years.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
