The sudden and immediate shutdown of Vancouver's historic Hastings Racecourse has sent shockwaves through British Columbia's horse racing industry, leaving more than a hundred workers and generations of families connected to the track facing an uncertain future.
A Century-Old Legacy Ends Abruptly
Operated by Great Canadian Entertainment since 2004, Hastings Racecourse and Casino announced on Friday that it was ceasing thoroughbred horse racing effective immediately. The track, which has been a fixture in Vancouver's Hastings Park since 1889, was the last operating thoroughbred horse racetrack in British Columbia.
Wayne Odegard, Regional Vice-President for Great Canadian Entertainment, called it an "extremely difficult decision" driven by the economic uncertainty of holding another racing season. He stated the company's focus would now be on supporting impacted team members and racing participants as they assess future options.
Provincial Decision Pulls Critical Financial Support
The closure follows a provincial bombshell dropped just one week prior. The B.C. government announced it was pulling slot machine revenue from the facility as of January 31. This revenue, estimated at $8 to $10 million annually, had become a crucial lifeline for the sport as live horse racing attendance declined over decades.
Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, stated the move was due to "significant concerns" about the financial sustainability of horse racing in B.C., following an economic impact assessment. However, the racing community was caught completely off guard.
Gary Johnson of Thoroughbred Racing B.C. said the province's announcement "came as an absolute shock" and was made "without any warning whatsoever."
Workers and a Multi-Generational Community Dismantled
The union representing over 100 workers at the racecourse is now urging the provincial government to reverse its decision. For employees like Lisa Russell, who has worked at the track since 1991, the closure represents the dismantling of a deep-rooted community.
"I married into four generations of race trackers. My son put himself through university by working at the racetrack," Russell said. "There have been a lot of people affected that have dedicated their lives to this industry. We are a family. We are a community, and that community has been dismantled with little to no notice for anybody."
While the live racing operation has ended, the casino and simulcast racebook at the Hastings facility will continue to operate. Great Canadian Entertainment leases the property from the City of Vancouver.
