Following the news earlier this month that the horse racing season would be shortened, it appears as though the future for the entire Fraser Downs complex may be in doubt.

The provincial ministry in charge of gaming is looking at options available to keep the horse racing industry afloat, but it may mean the possible merger of through bred and standardbred racing, currently separated between Hastings Park and Fraser Downs facilities respectively.

According to the president of BCLC, if racing were to shut down at either location, so too would their slot machines. Without racing or the casino at Fraser Downs, there would be little left but an empty building.

The Surrey Leader reports that there have already been discussions about relocating the existing Fraser Downs slots to other sites in the city, including one specifically in Panorama at 54A Ave and 152 St.

However, the Kevin Falcon, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale says that’s not going to happen:

“I would argue that that is not going to be the case. That will be a decision that I can assure you is going to be made after I as MLA have an opportunity to sit down with the minister responsible and make sure any decision that is being made is defensible and justifiable. . . I am not going to acquiesce to a wholesale move unless I believe it’s in the best interest of Surrey and Cloverdale in particular. I happen to believe it’s a great location on Highway 15, which is a four-lane freeway to one of the busiest borders in the country. I’d be open to hear of they have a better location, I certainly haven’t heard of one.”