The City of Surrey has ended Fraser Downs’ lease, closing the historic Cloverdale racetrack after nearly 50 years of harness racing.
Historic Racetrack Halted
Harness racing has come to an abrupt end in Cloverdale after the City of Surrey exercised its lease recapture rights, reclaiming Fraser Downs racetrack from operator Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE). The announcement, made Aug. 15, means racing at the nearly 50-year-old venue has stopped immediately.
Why the Lease Was Pulled
According to GCE, the city terminated the lease covering the 5/8-mile oval, backstretch, and stabling facilities. The decision follows months of challenges, including a rat infestation in the barns that forced a shutdown and was the subject of a lawsuit by Harness Racing B.C., which was dismissed earlier this year.
Impact on the Racing Community
Rodrigo Perez, acting general manager at Fraser Downs, acknowledged the closure’s impact. “We know this decision touches everyone who has been a part of Fraser Downs’ long and proud history,” Perez said, adding that the priority is supporting staff during the transition.
What Remains Open on Site
While racing operations have ceased, the grandstand is unaffected. Elements Casino, the racebook, and Yuk Yuk’s comedy club — all located within the facility — will continue operating without disruption, GCE confirmed.
A Long Legacy Ends
Fraser Downs has been a fixture at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds since 1976, when it opened as Cloverdale Raceway before being renamed in 1996. For decades, it drew racing enthusiasts from across British Columbia, building a reputation as a hub for standardbred harness racing.
What’s Next for the Property
The City of Surrey has not yet detailed its future plans for the recaptured property. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and Harness Racing B.C. president Kelly MacMillan have been contacted for comment but have not publicly responded. For now, the closure signals the end of an era for the local racing community.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
