Draft - Official Community Plan - Surrey 2050

Part A – Introduction

A1 World-Class City

This is a pivotal moment for Surrey. The city is growing fast and will be home to a million residents within the next few decades. The future is one of possibility. One million residents mean economic strength, cultural vitality, and a critical mass that can attract major employers, grow post-secondary institutions, and sustain major hospitals, cultural facilities, and entertainment venues. One million residents reinforce Surrey’s capacity and influence to lead on regional housing, transportation, and economic development solutions. Surrey is also dynamic. All of the features of a complete city are here: economic and cultural diversity, industrial and commercial activity, a burgeoning downtown, multiple higher education and health care institutions, market access through cross-border connections and a growing port, and more.

As Surrey grows, it has the opportunity to become a world-class city – a vibrant, globally competitive, and highly livable place with a unique character and a diverse population in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. Surrey can build on its reputation as a place in which businesses invest and people want to live, work, and visit. The city can become a regional cultural hub and destination for people who want to experience the exciting events and festivals that highlight Surrey’s diversity. Capitalizing on this opportunity will require addressing the challenges that come with growth and a changing world. Surrey’s rapidly rising population can lead to congestion, housing affordability issues, and stress on infrastructure and services. Planning and policies must anticipate the needs of a larger population and ensure that Surrey’s livability continues to rise. At the same time, policies must support Surrey’s resilience by contending with the impacts of climate change, trade tensions, and broader economic uncertainty.

By seizing today’s opportunities and meeting its livable, and globally competitive centre.

Top: Blackie Spit Beach Bottom Left: Surrey Canada Day Bottom Right: Surrey City Hall

Surrey 2050 | A11