CLOSURE: Beloved go-kart track closes after more than 65 years in Hamilton

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A Hamilton go-kart track that provided entertainment for families for 66 years has closed.

Lakeland Kartway suddenly posted an announcement on social media that they would be closing for good.

“We are sincerely disappointed that after 66 years in business, Lakeland Kartway will be closing permanently,” the notice reads.

“As Canada’s oldest go-kart track, we have the honor of serving Hamilton, Burlington and other surrounding communities for nearly three generations. In many cases, numerous customers who bring their children and grandchildren to go karts note that they themselves went karts at Lakeland Kartway as children. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal customers for decades of support.”

The post received more than 100 reactions and more than 50 comments, many of which expressed sadness over the sad news.

The land on which the track sits is owned by the City of Hamilton, and Lakeland has been run by the Firmi family since 1958. Lakeland typically employs about 20 young people each operating season, and the karts and trails were upgraded in just a few days. last year in anticipation of continued business.

“It’s sad and upsetting for everyone,” general manager Rob Svejka said. “The Firmi family wants to stay. Clients want us to stay. But I think it’s time for us to go.

In the official announcement of the track’s closure, Lakeland said their final weekend would be Thanksgiving weekend, but they reopened the weekend of October 20 due to good weather and to put in a few more efforts to potentially save the track. Trail rentals will continue until the end of October.

A petition was drawn up in an attempt to negotiate a new lease.

“We would like to thank everyone who came today, your support means a lot to us,” Lakeland wrote on social media on October 20. “Special thanks to Laurie and her team who organized this party in 3 days. Thanks, the band sounded great. Now let’s move on to talking with the powers that be, I hope to agree on a new rental petition, thanks to everyone who signed both today and online. We hope to see everyone in the spring, we’ll keep you posted.”