In the midst of preparations to build a new casino, 200-suite hotel and convention centre in South Surrey is a challenge by the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association (BIA).

Both groups say the proposed location at 10th Avenue and 168th Street should not go ahead, and that Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino should instead be upgraded.

Fraser Downs currently employs 600 people, and a new casino within close vicinity is seen as a threat to income and traffic to the Cloverdale area, and would impede on the horse racing industry.

To voice their concerns, the two organizations will be meeting with B.C. Lottery Corporation officials on Monday.

They have also requested a meeting with Surrey city council.

Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce executive director Bill Reid, at the annual general meeting on June 30, suggested if their voices are not heard soon, they should organize to march on City Hall and BCLC.

Paul Orazietti, executive director of the Cloverdale BIA, said the meeting on Monday will be informational, as from what they understand, decisions have been made in regard to the potential large-scale casino in South Surrey with no dialogue from the lottery corporation.

"We are completely unaware to any decision by the mayor or council of the casino being placed in Surrey," said Orazietti.

Orazietti said the BIA's greatest concern is that Great Canadian Gaming, which owns Fraser Downs, is one of the largest employers in the area, and a new casino would affect the future of horse racing.

Orazietti also pointed out Fraser Downs is at a high-volume intersection at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, and is a high-volume area for a number of other activities.

"We were caught a little off guard, and a lot of the information to do with this other property was done in a vacuum without us knowing anything about it," said Orazietti.

Representatives from BCLC and the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce did not get back to the Now by press time.