Happy Tuesday, Surrey!
This week’s edition is a bit quieter on the events front — which is pretty normal for this time of year. While there aren’t as many big festivals or packed calendars, there’s still plenty happening around Surrey that’s worth knowing about.
In this issue, we’re focusing on important city updates, a few local happenings you might have missed, and what’s coming up next as the calendar starts to fill back in. Sometimes the slower weeks are the best chance to catch up on what’s changing around the city.
As always, thanks for reading and supporting a newsletter built for Surrey locals.
Now, In today’s edition:
Court Orders Illegal Building Demolished in Newton
72 Avenue Widening Project Approved by Surrey Council
Surrey Expands Two Fire Halls to Keep Up With Growth
Newton Auto Mall Gets Green Light from City Council
Surrey Approves Long-Term Cycling Vision
A few events Happening Around the City This Week (Comedy & Family Fun!)
- Mark
News
Court Orders Illegal Building Demolished in Newton
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ordered the owners of a Newton property to tear down illegal construction after the City of Surrey took the case to court. The ruling involves a home on 79 Avenue where buildings were added without permits and did not meet city rules.
The judge agreed with the City that the construction broke Surrey’s building bylaws and could not be approved after the fact. Because of this, the court granted an injunction requiring the owners to remove the unauthorized structures and bring the property back into compliance.
🔑 Key Details:
B.C. Supreme Court ordered demolition of illegal construction in Newton
Property owners must apply for a demolition permit within 15 days
All unauthorized structures must be removed within 60 days of permit approval
City Updates
72 Avenue Widening Project Approved by Surrey Council
Surrey city council has approved a major road project to widen part of 72 Avenue, helping ease traffic and prepare for future growth. A $16.3 million contract was awarded to Clearway Construction to upgrade 72 Avenue between 144 Street and 152 Street.
The road will be expanded from two lanes to four lanes and will include new sidewalks and cycling improvements. Construction is expected to start in February and continue until spring 2027. City leaders say this stretch often backs up with traffic, and the upgrade should help reduce delays.
Council also approved nearly $2 million for road resurfacing at 84 locations across Surrey. These paving projects will begin in the spring and wrap up by September. For Surrey residents, these projects mean smoother roads, better traffic flow, and safer options for walking and biking.
🔑 Key Details:
72 Avenue will be widened to four lanes between 144 St. and 152 St.
Construction starts in February and is expected to finish in spring 2027
Additional road paving planned at 84 locations across Surrey this year
Surrey Expands Two Fire Halls to Keep Up With Growth
Surrey Fire Hall 15, at 18915 64 Ave. (Photo surrey.ca)
Surrey is planning upgrades to two fire halls in Newton and Cloverdale as the city’s population continues to grow. City council has approved funding to design expansions for Fire Hall #11 and Fire Hall #15, which are both running out of space for staff and equipment.
City staff say the current buildings no longer meet today’s needs. The upgrades will help firefighters respond faster and more safely as calls increase in these busy neighbourhoods.
Design work is expected to wrap up by mid-2026. Construction is planned to start in 2027, with the goal of finishing by the end of that year.
🔑 Key Details:
Fire Hall #11 (Newton) and Fire Hall #15 (Cloverdale) will both be expanded and modernized
Upgrades include new drive-through bays, more gear storage, improved work areas, and fitness space
Design work will cost about $670,000, with construction expected to begin in 2027
Newton Auto Mall Gets Green Light from City Council
City of Surrey planning department document offers a glimpse of proposed auto mall for Newton. (Image surrey.ca)
Surrey city council has approved the next step for a large auto mall planned in Newton. The project would bring multiple car dealerships to a 16-acre site near 76 Avenue, where a warehouse and parking lot already exist.
City staff say the plan fits Surrey’s goals for jobs and economic growth. Supporters see it as a way to reuse land that has already been cleared and bring more businesses to the area.
Some concerns were raised before the vote. Residents and councillors questioned traffic congestion on 76 Avenue and the lack of trees or green features in the design. City staff responded that road upgrades are already planned and that traffic improvements will come as the area grows.
🔑 Key Details:
The auto mall would be built on 16 acres near 13340–76 Avenue in Newton
City staff say the project supports jobs and long-term economic growth
Road upgrades to 76 Avenue are planned for 2027 or 2028 to help with traffic
Community Digest
Surrey Approves Long-Term Cycling Vision — With Mixed Reactions
Surrey city council has approved a new Long-Term Cycling Vision that will guide where bike routes are built in the future. City staff say the plan focuses on safety, better connections between neighbourhoods, and easier access to transit, parks, and daily needs.
Right now, Surrey has many painted bike lanes, but most are next to busy traffic. Even though cycling only makes up about 1% of trips, the city says bike use has grown a lot in recent years. The new plan aims to focus spending where it will make the biggest difference.
Some cycling advocates are unhappy with the decision. They say the city cut planned bike routes and did not involve the public enough. City staff responded that fully upgrading all bike lanes would be too expensive and could take more than a century, so a more realistic plan was needed.
🔑 Key Details:
Surrey’s cycling network will total 353 km when fully built, mostly protected bike lanes
About half of the network already exists, with more planned over the next several decades
Building the remaining routes could cost $300–$400 million
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Exciting Events: January 13th -16th
Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.
Community Fun🎆
Outdoor Skating at Civic Plaza | Dec. 1-Feb. 16 (FREE)
Location: Surrey Civic Plaza
Description: This winter, enjoy ice skating at a new covered outdoor rink and other fun and festive activations with family and friends at Surrey Civic Plaza from December 1, 2025 to February 16, 2026.
Performances🎭
Burning Mom | Jan. 14-24 ($)
Location: Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre
Description: In this inspiring comedy, Dorothy realizes that life is too short to delay your aspirations. After losing her husband, she decides to take their RV on the road trip of his retirement dreams: she’s going to Burning Man. After all, it’s only a 21-hour drive to a weeklong culture festival and party with no plumbing in the middle of a desert—how hard can it be?
Comedy❗
Leland Klassen | Jan. 16 & 17 ($)
Location: Yuk Yuks Comedy Club
Description: Leland Klassen has toured all over North America for more than twenty-five years and has been on CBC television, CTV’s Comedy channel in Canada, as well as Netflix and Amazon Prime in the US as well as starred in several feature films. His show combines hilarious storytelling, quirky charm, brazen physicality and high-energy for a show you won’t want to miss.
Stand Up Comedy | Jan. 13 ($)
Location: Peninsula Productions
Description: A night of comedy featuring local stand-up comedians!
Live Music, Dancing & Pub Events
Tuesday, January 13
Wednesday, January 14
Karaoke | Baselines Pub South Surrey | 8PM: More info
Thursday, January 15
Friday, January 16
The Limit | Donegal's Irish House | 8PM: More info
How did you enjoys today's edition?
Thanks for reading The Surrey Digest! Let’s chat again on Friday!
