A 133-year-old tradition at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse is ending as Great Canadian Entertainment will cease live horse racing after the province announced it will terminate the slot-machine revenue stream supporting B.C.’s racing sector by January 31, 2026. This funding has been crucial for the industry’s financial viability, and its removal is causing immediate and severe impacts on workers, breeders, trainers, and related rural economies. The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of British Columbia (HBPA-BC) condemned the decision, emphasizing the broad economic and community fallout, while BC Conservative MLA Ian Paton highlighted the sector’s significant contribution to the province’s economy and jobs.

Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger defended the move, citing long-term declines in racing activity and revenue, and stating that requests for new funding were deemed unsustainable after consultations and economic assessments. Despite this, the HBPA-BC remains hopeful, urging the province to engage in meaningful dialogue to find a viable solution to preserve live horse racing in B.C.