Harness Racing BC urges the province to stop Fraser Downs closure, warning of job losses, community impact, and broken promises to Surrey families.
Racing Community Sounds the Alarm
The future of harness racing in Surrey has been thrown into crisis. Fraser Downs, a long-standing hub for the sport, faces closure—and Harness Racing BC says the fallout is already devastating.
President Kelly MacMillan has issued an urgent call for government action, warning that workers, families, and small businesses are at risk. In a letter dated August 22, MacMillan appealed directly to local MLAs, asking them to fight for Surrey residents and honor commitments tied to racing and gaming revenues.
“Not Just an Operational Change”
MacMillan described the shutdown as more than just a business decision. He argued that it has become a matter of survival for many who rely on the industry.
“Families are losing their homes. Small businesses built around racing have lost their foundation,” he wrote, adding that some individuals connected to the racetrack are already on suicide watch.
Broken Promises and Lost Revenues
The letter points to past agreements between the City of Surrey and the Province that tied gaming revenue to horse racing. A March 2024 corporate report even highlighted that a portion of slot machine earnings was earmarked to support the sport.
According to MacMillan, those commitments are being ignored. “The casino was never meant to operate alone,” he stated. “It was designed to sustain horse racing in British Columbia. While the City, Province, and private operators benefit from revenues, workers and families are being left behind.”
Eleven Questions for Lawmakers
Along with the letter, MacMillan submitted eleven pointed questions to Surrey MLAs, pressing them to explain how this decision was allowed to unfold. The questions aim to hold leaders accountable for choices that, he says, are stripping residents of jobs, income, and stability.
Waiting on a Response
So far, Harness Racing BC has not received answers. Requests for comment sent to provincial parties and the City of Surrey remain unanswered. For now, the racing community waits—hoping that public pressure will push decision-makers to intervene before it’s too late.
