Flamboro Downs opened its doors to the public on April 9, 1975. The planning began in 1972 when the Honorable Ray Connell, a local farmer, horseman and politician, decided that the area needed a racetrack. Mr. Connell had just retired from provincial politics, where he had served as Minister of Public Works.
He sought out potential investors and approached Mr. Charles Juravinski, a local building contractor who had closed his construction company and was looking to invest in a new venture. Mr. Juravinski’s partner was Mr. William McCann, and he too was interested in the new venture.
Ray and Charles purchased the property in Flamborough Township on Highway #5 and further searched for another significant investor. They found their man in Mr. John Grant of Hornby Ontario. Mr. Grant was an avid horseman and a prominent transportation company owner.
Once John was aboard, the new company was incorporated in 1972, and planning began in earnest. Construction started in 1974 and was completed in April 1975.
The progress of the “Track of the Future” was rapid, and by 1979 an addition was needed to the main building.
Mr. Connell retired in the mid-eighties and Mr. Grant in the early nineties leaving Mr. Juravinski and Mr. McCann as owners. Mr. McCann retired in the late nineties, and Mr. Juravinski was the sole owner until the company was sold in 2002 to Magna Entertainment Corp.
Before the sale, the Ontario Government approved and set up the Slots at Racetracks Program, and Flamboro Downs became a host site for the slot program in October of 2000.
In October of 2005, Flamboro went through another great acquisition when Great Canadian Gaming Corporation purchased them.
Great Canadian Gaming is based out of British Columbia and owns several casinos, hotels and racetracks across Canada and Washington State.
Great Canadian strives to be the leading gaming and entertainment destination by providing superior experiences through unparalleled products, facilities and services.