Lawsuit Filed to Prevent Fraser Downs Closure Amid Pest Control Dispute

Harness Racing B.C. (HRBC) and Margaret White, a racehorse owner with nine horses, have filed a lawsuit in an effort to prevent the planned closure of Fraser Downs racetrack in Surrey, which Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE), the operator of the track, claims is needed to address a rat infestation.

Harness Racing B.C. Files Lawsuit

With training for young horses set to begin on July 1 and races scheduled for September 4, HRBC warns that the closure would leave the animals unprepared and could jeopardize the entire racing season. In its lawsuit, HRBC states that over 200 of its members rely on access to Fraser Downs during the off-season, including 75 to 100 workers whose livelihoods depend on the training and racing schedule.

HRBC challenges the necessity of a full closure and claims it has suggested alternatives that would permit limited use of the facility during treatment. The organization believes GCE intends to use poison over an extended period, whereas HRBC has proposed carbon monoxide fumigation, which would allow horses to return within a day.

Donna Scrannage, a horse owner and vice president of Harness Racing B.C. (HRBC), said the organization has put forward alternative solutions to prevent members from being left without options, noting that there are no other training facilities available in British Columbia. The HRBC disputes the need for a full closure and says it has presented alternatives that would allow for some continued use of the facility during treatment. The racing body believes GCE is planning to use poison over a prolonged period, while HRBC has proposed a different approach: carbon monoxide fumigation that would allow horses to return within a day.

GCE Defends Fraser Downs Closure as Essential for Health and Safety

GCE maintains that the closure is essential to address a significant health issue that has progressively worsened. In an email statement to CBC, Chuck Keeling, a vice president at the company, accused HRBC of obstructing critical pest control efforts. He explained that the organization intends to vigorously defend the litigation to ensure the health and safety of HRBC members, team members, and guests.

A memo from GCE initially directed that all horses be removed from the property by May 9, with pest control expected to take between 60 and 90 days. Although the deadline was later extended to May 30 and a tentative reopening date set for August 15, Scrannage says the timeline is unfeasible. Considering it is now the month of June, the horses still reside at the venue, and pest control has not occurred.