An enthusiastic tip of the hat to the Cloverdale BIA and the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce for standing up for Fraser Downs, the horse racing industry, and the Cloverdale economy.
Two weeks ago, the business associations voiced their opposition to a $100-million destination casino that has supposedly been green lighted for South Surrey.
B.C. Lottery Corp. officials told members of the Surrey Board of Trade June 21 the casino could be up and running by 2014 if Surrey City Council approves the plan.
Gateway Gaming and Entertainment wants to shut down a casino in Newton and open a 200-suite, four-to-five star hotel, 600-seat convention centre and casino at 10th Avenue and 168 Street.
“Our board felt strongly that this would cannibalize Fraser Down’s ability to survive in the marketplace,” Cloverdale BIA president Lyle MacMillan said in a letter sent to the BCLC. “Horse racing is at a crossroad in B.C. and we cannot afford to lose this vital industry.”
The BIA and the Chamber are in favour of any future bid by Fraser Downs’ bid to expand into a full tourism destination with casino facilities and more, and support Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino as the primary casino in Surrey.
“It’s paramount they are provided first option to expand before any other casino license is granted, as their importance in the Cloverdale town site can’t be mistaken,” added Brian Young, Chamber president.
A dig of the spur to pranksters who may have taken a local grad tradition too far – or was their punishment out of line?
“Suspension yes – but let them wear their cap and gown,” Jacqueline Crawley commented on our Facebook Page, responding to a story about streaking Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary students who were banned from last month’s commencement ceremonies. “They’ve earned it. And boys will be boys. It was a prank for goodness sake, not malicious damage or anything. Give them a break.”
“D-m Speer” agreed with the decision to suspend the students, but felt the punishment went too far. “I don’t think they should not be allowed to go to commencement. Some ppl rly [sic] look forward to that part.”
David John saw the lighter side of things, writing “I’d be thankful [for the suspension], three less days in a place that doesn’t teach you anything useful and a reason not to celebrate it!”
Another item earned more outrage on Facebook after we posted a note about it.
“Spotted outside our office this a.m.: A motorist who was so eager to check her text messages, she neglected to pull over to the curb first. She simply stopped her SUV (which kept idling) in the middle of the roadway. She remained there for five minutes. She was so absorbed, she didn’t notice us taking a bunch of pictures from various angles.”
People jumped in to comment. Some were (likewise) appalled: “Oh my goodness – that’s terrible,” wrote Kristy Hill. “It looks like one of the side roads in the area, maybe she thought that was good enough. I still see many people on phones and such while driving, no good!”
“The world over,” lamented Sarah Crompton.
“Here in UK drivers drive and text. I got behind a driver who was on her phone and still driving – round a roundabout. Only one hand on the steering wheel!”
“At least she stopped,” reasoned Mary Kay Horton Jungquist.
Gina Twellmann suggested putting things into perspective: “If you’re worried about this, I’d suggest not traveling to some other countries. Driving in Cloverdale is pretty tame.”