Demise of one Canada’s oldest amusement parks disappoints Hamilton, Burlington fans

An amusement park that has served a restrained level of thrill-seeker for generations in Hamilton and Burlington will disappear this weekend.

Lakeland Kartway, a mainstay along the beachway strip that connects the two cities, is shutting down after 66 years.

“That’s it, it looks like we are finished,” confirmed Rob Sweika, general manager of the go-kart track. “This weekend will be the last for the general public but we have a few corporate events booked after that. But we should be finished totally by the end of October.”

A notice on Lakeland’s Facebook page last night (Oct. 10) announced its imminent demise.

“It’s with sincere disappointment that after 66 years in business, Lakeland Kartway will be closing permanently this weekend,” reads the message. “As Canada’s oldest go-kart track, we have had the privilege of serving Hamilton, Burlington and other surrounding communities for nearly three generations.”

Operators say they want to remain in business but their lease is not being renewed.

That land is owned by the City of Hamilton which appears to have other plans for the property. However, future usage has not been confirmed. Inhalton.com is waiting for a response from the city.

Lakeland Kartway has been operated by the Firmi family since its 1958 inception. Back then the beachway strip was a popular tourist destination anchored by the Burlington Beach Amusement Park. The area not only served local residents but was an important stopover for Toronto to Niagara Falls travellers.

While go-karting presents a certain level of excitement, users say the facility was user-friendly as the karts were limited in how fast they could go and the track was easy to navigate.

“So glad to have been able to create memories there with my kids as my mom did with me and my brother. Saddened by this news,” wrote a Facebook user in response to the notice.

Other online contributors also weighed in:

“My dad took me there, I took my kids there, and I have taken my grandkids there. Hate to hear this.”

“All the old-time places are vanishing. These places had character and meant something to the community. Everything they do now is so controlled but the character of these unique places is being scrubbed out.”

Most users say Lakeland Kartway was a friendly and simple destination to have fun. “Safe” is a word that is being used to describe the place.

Sweika said the family has considered locating elsewhere but that option is difficult considering the cost of land.

He said Lakeland generally employs about 20 young people during its operating season and just last year the track and carts were upgraded in the expectation of a continued run.

Sweika said there has been talk of a petition and plans to fight to stay but so far, nothing has changed and time is running out.

“It’s sad and upsetting for everyone,” continued Sweika. “The Firmi family wants to stay. The customers want us to stay. But I guess we have to go.”

You can go for a final few laps around the Lakeland Kartway track on all three days this upcoming long weekend.