Happy Tuesday, Surrey!

We’ve rounded up the latest city updates and a few things happening around town to help you plan the week ahead.

We’re also excited to share the Surrey Digest Restaurant Collection — Curated, downloadable PDF guides designed to make exploring Surrey’s food scene easier. Inside, you’ll find thoughtfully selected local restaurants, helpful highlights, and recommended dishes to help you confidently plan your next meal.

Grab your coffee, take a quick break, and let’s get into what’s happening around the city this week.

Now, In today’s edition:

  • $3.6M Covered Multi-Sport Facility Coming to Unwin Park

  • “State of East Surrey” Q&A Set for March 18

  • Surrey Debates $284.5M Police Budget for 2026

  • 20-Storey Apartment Approved in Guildford

  • Europa Super Circus Returns to Cloverdale

  • New Public Art Banners Coming to Surrey Streets

  • Many events Happening Around the City This Weekend

- Mark

News

$3.6M Covered Multi-Sport Facility Coming to Unwin Park

Artist’s concept of multi-sport covered box project for Unwin Park in Newton. (surrey.ca)

Surrey city council has approved a $3.6 million contract to build a covered multi-sport box at Unwin Park in Newton.

The new 185-foot by 80-foot space will have a steel roof, lighting, and landscaping. It will be designed for sports like ball hockey, basketball, pickleball, and lacrosse.

Construction is set to begin this month and is expected to finish by the end of December. City leaders say the covered space will allow youth and community groups to stay active year-round.

This project adds a new all-season recreation space in Newton, giving families and young people more places to play and stay active.

🔑 Key Details:
• $3.6M approved for Unwin Park sports box
• Year-round covered space for multiple sports
• Construction to finish by December

“State of East Surrey” Q&A Set for March 18

Representatives from all three levels of government will be in Cloverdale in March to address the “State of East Surrey.” (Screenshot Image via cloverdalechamber.ca)

Local leaders from all three levels of government will gather in Cloverdale this month to answer questions about East Surrey. The event is hosted by the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce.

The public Q&A will cover topics like public safety, transit, healthcare, and trade. Residents from Campbell Heights, Cloverdale, and Clayton Heights can submit questions ahead of time. Organizers say the goal is to inform the public, not hold a debate.

Scheduled guests include Members of Parliament, MLAs, and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. The event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on March 18, with doors opening at 5 p.m.

This is a chance to hear directly from decision-makers and learn how local issues are being addressed.

🔑 Key Details:
• March 18 from 5:30–7 p.m. in Cloverdale
• Politicians from federal, provincial, and municipal levels attending
• Tickets required; questions can be submitted in advance

City Updates

Surrey Debates $284.5M Police Budget for 2026

Surrey city hall is reviewing a proposed $284.5 million budget for the Surrey Police Service in 2026. The budget supports the ongoing transition from the RCMP to Surrey Police and includes a $45 million increase over last year.

City officials say the police service underspent its budget by nearly $40 million in 2025. They plan to carry that money forward while also increasing funding to add more officers. The proposal would fund 189 new officers, bringing the total to 806.

Some union leaders argue the revised plan still cuts funding and could reduce staffing during an ongoing extortion crisis. City leaders say they are trying to balance public safety with keeping taxes affordable.

The police budget affects property taxes and public safety levels across the city. Council must decide how much funding is needed while managing costs for taxpayers.

🔑 Key Details:
• Proposed 2026 police budget: $284.5 million
• Plan funds 189 new officers
• Debate continues over spending and staffing levels

20-Storey Apartment Approved in Guildford

Artist’s rendering of a 25-storey apartment building proposed for 15200 Guildford Dr. (surrey.ca)

Surrey city council has approved plans for a 20-storey apartment building at 15200 Guildford Drive. The project will include 175 rental units on a currently vacant lot.

Council approved the development without a public hearing. The building will include parking for residents and visitors, along with secure bicycle storage.

City planners estimate about seven school-aged children may live in the building. Most are expected to attend nearby elementary and secondary schools. Construction is expected to be complete by Winter 2027.

🔑 Key Details:
• 20-storey building with 175 units approved
• Includes parking and 200+ bike spaces
• Expected completion by Winter 2027

Community Digest

Restaurant Guides Are Out!

If you’ve been meaning to explore more of Surrey’s food scene — try a new date night spot, find a cozy café to work from, or finally visit that restaurant everyone keeps talking about — this could be the place to start. Choosing where to go can feel overwhelming, but having the right guide makes all the difference.

These curated restaurant guides are beautifully designed, downloadable PDF ebooks — ready to access instantly on your phone, tablet, or desktop. They’re more than just lists of places to eat. They’re thoughtfully assembled collections designed to help locals discover quality dining experiences across the city — whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a special night out.

What makes these guides stand out is their focus on clarity and curation. Each restaurant is selected for its atmosphere, consistency, and overall experience — not just popularity. You’ll find helpful details that make planning easy and enjoyable.

Inside each downloadable PDF ebook, you’ll find:

  • Service and hospitality highlights

  • Average ratings for food, service, and ambiance

  • A recommended dish worth ordering

  • Clean, beautifully designed layouts for easy browsing

At their core, these guides are built around community, discovery, and supporting local restaurants. They’re designed to help you feel confident choosing your next spot — whether it’s a hidden gem café, a lively European dining room, bold Asian flavours, or comforting North American classics.

The goal is simple: make it easier — and more exciting — to experience the best of Surrey.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to explore somewhere new, this might be it. Download the Surrey Digest Restaurant Collection and start planning your next great meal.

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Surrey Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Europa Super Circus Returns to Cloverdale

Geoffrey Berhault is a second-generation circus performer specializing in the tight-wire. Part of the Europa Super Circus, Berhault combines dance, jumps, and flips on a 10 mm cable. (Image via supercircus.com)

The circus is coming back to Cloverdale this spring. Europa Super Circus will set up its Big Top at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds from April 16–19.

The shows will take place in the Elements Casino parking lot. Organizers promise high-flying aerial acts, tight-wire stunts, roller skating, motorbike tricks, and classic circus comedy.

The touring show features performers from around the world, including award-winning acrobats and record-holding stunt artists. There will be eight shows over four days.

🔑 Key Details:
• April 16–19 at Cloverdale Fairgrounds
• Eight shows under the Big Top
• Tickets available online

More Info: supercircus.com

New Public Art Banners Coming to Surrey Streets

Recommended design by Julia Vasileva for Surrey’s 2026 Public Art Banners. (surrey.ca)

Surrey city council has chosen artist Julia Vasileva to design the city’s 2026 public art street banners. Her artwork will appear on about 100 street poles across Surrey next spring.

Vasileva’s design, called Flora in Motion, features bright butterfly wings made up of native B.C. plants like Pacific Bleeding Heart and Nootka Rose. The goal is to add colour and creativity to Surrey’s streets for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The banners are part of the City’s annual Street Banner Program, which refreshes town centres each year with new designs. City officials say the program helps make public spaces more welcoming and vibrant.

🔑 Key Details:
• Julia Vasileva selected as 2026 banner artist
• About 100 poles will feature the new design
• Banners installed in spring 2026

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Just use the share button below to send the link to anyone who’d enjoy keeping up with what’s happening in our city.

Exciting Events: February 24th - 27th

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.

Community Fun🎆

  • Garden Work Parties | 10AM-12PM Feb. 24 (FREE)

    • Location: Darts Hill Garden Park

    • Description: Help care for Surrey's gardens by pruning, weeding, labeling, removing invasive plants and more!

  • Wednesday Walk | 9AM Feb. 25 (FREE)

    • Location: Crescent Park

    • Description: a relaxed, social way to stay active, get some fresh air, and connect with other local men. Start point Crescent Park Lot #6 southernmost small lot on 132 st.

  • Just Ferment It Workshop Series | 6PM-8:30PM Feb. 26 ($)

    • Location: Historic Stewart Farm

    • Description: In this workshop series, Kristine Hui, a professional distiller and fermentation specialist, will lead you through four unique sessions on how to make kimchi, kombucha, lacto-fermented fruits and hot sauce. Get hands-on, creative, and discover the health benefits of eating fermented foods.

  • The Clayton Coffee House | 6PM-7:30PM Feb. 27 (FREE)

    • Location: Performing Arts Studio at Clayton Community Centre

    • Description: The Clayton Coffee House is a monthly performance opportunity for both aspiring and established poets, spoken-word artists, novelists, musicians, improvisers or comedians to share their work with the community.

Performances🎭

  • LEGENDS SHOW | 7PM Feb. 24 ($)

    • Location: Bell Performing Arts Centre

    • Description: "Legends Show" brings you some of North America's most exciting performers live on stage. Accompanied by the “Rockin’ Royals Band”, this show will feature the most incredible Tributes to Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley.

  • The Golden Anniversaries | Feb. 24-Mar. 7 ($)

    • Location: Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre

    • Description: Since they got married, Glen and Sandy Golden have celebrated every wedding anniversary by coming to the same cottage for a romantic getaway. This weekend marks a major milestone: 50 years of wedded bliss. Well, mostly bliss...A week ago, Sandy cancelled their big anniversary party and kicked Glen to the curb. Now, he wants to talk. Join the Goldens as they recount the good, the bad, and the ugly of spending half a century together.

Comedy❗

  • Johnny Pogo | Feb. 27 & 28 ($)

    • Location: Yuk Yuks Comedy Club

    • Description: Through his humour, you will find that Johnny can make light out of the darkest situations and can also make dark out of the lightest. Tipping the scales at 300lbs (his hair weighs 30), Johnny has made a living out of making fun of himself, his wife or anyone he has come into contact with or on. His friends know him as Pogo, bouncy, and a corn dog.

Live Music, Dancing & Pub Events

Tuesday, February 24

  • Line Dancing | Crescent Beach Legion | 6PM: More info

  • Music Bingo | The Social Tavern | 7PM: More info

  • Karaoke | Whalley Legion | 6PM: More info

  • Trivia | The Clayton Public House | 7PM: More info

Wednesday, February 25

  • Karaoke | Baselines Pub South Surrey | 8PM: More info

  • Paint Night | The Henry | 6PM: More info

Thursday, February 26

  • Karaoke | Rusty’s Pub | 8PM: More info

  • Music Bingo | The Clayton Public House | 7PM: More info

  • Music Bingo | The Henry | 7PM: More info

Friday, February 27

  • The Accoustics | Morrison Kitchen & Bar | 6PM: More info

  • Max Eleven | Whalley Legion | 7PM: More info

  • TrailerPark Playboys | Donegal's Irish House | 8PM: More info

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