Community Benefits

Since 1889, Hastings Racecourse has been a part of the Hastings-Sunrise community. With the installation of slot machines Hastings can reaffirm its commitment to the local community by implementing its Community Benefits program.

Child Care 
Workers at Hastings and parents in Hastings-Sunrise are in need of local, affordable child care options. To fulfill this need Hastings Racecourse has agreed to build a permanent Child Care facility in the community and subsidise 44 spaces for children of workers and residents. While this permanent facility is being designed and built, Hastings will provide a temporary Child Care facility at Kiwassa Neighbourhood House. This temporary Child Care will open in February 2008, with a limited number of spots available. 

Green Space
To help the local community realize its desire for more green space in Hastings Park, the increased rent Hastings Racecourse pays to the City of Vancouver will be earmarked for a Hastings Park Improvement Fund. The ongoing Greening of Hastings Park will have exclusive access to the Fund, and the Racecourse’s green initiatives don’t stop there. During weekday afternoons community members and visitors to Hastings Park will be able to benefit from Access to the Infield. On non-race days patrons can enjoy afternoon picnics and walks on the lush infield grass.

Movies
Movie Nights at the Track will bring family movie screenings to Hastings Racecourse. In 2009 we will host movie nights on August 10 & 11 & 12 and September 8 & 9 & 10. Hastings will open the grandstand for the community to come together and enjoy outdoor presentations of favourite movies. Movie Nights at the Track will be free to all who attend.

Learning Centre
Community Benefits also extend to educational opportunities. Thanks to slot revenue the Learning Center will continue to provide Racecourse and stable workers supported skill development. The Learning Center has already helped numerous individuals complete General Educational Development courses. And with assistance from Hastings Racecourse, PNE workers have also benefited from the creation of a new Learning Center in the Agrodome.

Groom School
The Hastings Racecourse Groom School is an intensive 2 week program with both hands on and theoretical training. Participants will learn how to properly care for and groom thoroughbred horses here in Vancouver. For applicants with little or no experience with horses, the program will teach the skills required for an entry level groom’s position. Priority in the two week program will be given to Hastings-Sunrise and Downtown Eastside residents.

Jobs
As part of the Community Benefits, Hastings Racecourse developed a Local Hire program which has been in operation for the last two years. For every new position at the track local residents will be actively recruited to apply through the Hastings News and ads in local newspapers and throughout the community. Applicants will be evaluated via a points system, and local residents will be awarded extra points for residing in the Hastings-Sunrise or Downtown Eastside.

Bladerunners
With the infusion of slot machine revenue, Hastings Racecourse will be improving its facilities – such as the grandstand. Construction of the improved infrastructure will involve Bladerunners, an organization that assists local at-risk youth find and keep work in the construction industry.

Legacy
Over the next 20 years Hastings Racecourse will invest $2-million into the local community through its Community Legacy Fund. In November 2007, Hastings made its first $100-thousand payment to the City of Vancouver. Every year Hastings will invest another $100,000 into the Community Legacy Fun. The City of Vancouver will manage this Fund and with community direction will use it to provide benefits to, and mitigate problems in, Hastings-Sunrise.

Community Days
Hastings Racecourse has helped local community groups raise money for important causes, and will continue to do so in 2010. Through Community Days at the Track, Hastings has already helped Kiwassa Neighbourhood House and Variety – The Children’s Charity.

Community Days at the Track involve a community organization having exclusive use of the Racecourse’s marquee area during a race day, while Hastings supplies food and beverages, and a $5,000 donation. Hastings will offer eight Community Days at the Track a year, to organizations in Hastings-Sunrise and Vancouver. Through ticket sales and Hastings’ direct donation, community groups can use a Community Day at the Track to raise upwards of $10,000.

At Hastings Racecourse we believe we are part of the community. With the Community Benefits program we’re honouring our commitments to Hastings-Sunrise. If you have questions about our Community Benefits program please contact us at hastingsbenefits@hastingsracecourse.com.