A lawsuit has been filed aiming to prevent the closure of Fraser Downs amid an ongoing pest control dispute between the racetrack management and local authorities. The legal action comes after disagreements over pest treatment methods threatened to shut down operations, sparking concerns about the future of the popular entertainment venue and its economic impact on the community
Harness Racing B.C. (HRBC) and prominent racehorse owner Margaret White, who owns nine horses, have launched legal action to halt the proposed closure of Fraser Downs racetrack in Surrey. The racetrack’s operator, Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE), cites a rat infestation as the reason for the shutdown.
Harness Racing B.C. Takes Legal Stand
With training for young horses scheduled to commence on July 1 and racing season kicking off on September 4, HRBC warns that closing Fraser Downs now would severely disrupt preparation and threaten the entire season. The lawsuit highlights that over 200 HRBC members depend on Fraser Downs during the off-season, including between 75 and 100 workers whose jobs rely on continuous training and racing activities at the venue.
HRBC disputes the need for a full closure and insists it has presented viable alternatives allowing limited facility use during pest control treatments. The organization contends GCE plans to use prolonged poison treatments, while HRBC advocates for carbon monoxide fumigation-a method enabling horses to return within 24 hours.
Donna Scrannage, HRBC’s vice president and a dedicated horse owner, emphasized that the organization remains committed to finding solutions that avoid leaving its members stranded without access to facilities, especially given the lack of other training venues in British Columbia. She reiterated HRBC’s stance against a complete shutdown and its proposal for safer, quicker pest control options that minimize disruption.
GCE Stands Firm on Fraser Downs Closure for Health and Safety
Great Canadian Entertainment insists the closure is critical to tackling a serious and growing health hazard. In an official statement to CBC, Chuck Keeling, GCE’s vice president, accused HRBC of hindering essential pest control efforts. Keeling affirmed the company’s commitment to defending the lawsuit to protect the health and safety of HRBC members, staff, and visitors.
GCE initially issued a memo mandating all horses be removed by May 9, estimating pest control treatment would last 60 to 90 days. Although the deadline was extended to May 30 with a proposed reopening on August 15, Scrannage dismisses the timeline as unrealistic. Now in June, horses remain on-site, and no pest control measures have been implemented so far.
