Happy Friday, Surrey!
We’ve got a new community pet spotlight for you today. Be sure to read until the end to find out about Mr. AJAY.
We’ve got plenty lined up in today’s edition to help you keep up with it all — from local updates to upcoming events you won’t want to miss.
Now grab your morning coffee, settle in, and let’s get you caught up on everything happening around the city this weekend.
Now, In today’s edition:
Helicopters Deployed in Surrey as Extortion Crackdown Continues
National Police Meeting on Extortion Set for Surrey
Pattullo and Stal̕əw̓asəm Bridges to Close for One Week Starting Feb. 6
Surrey–Langley SkyTrain Still Set to Open in 2029
Country Concert to Kick Off 2026 Cloverdale Rodeo
Former Surrey Council Candidate Fined Over Campaign Rules
Many events Happening Around the City This Week (Sports, Performances & Family Fun!)
- Mark
News
Helicopters Deployed in Surrey as Extortion Crackdown Continues
BC RCMP’s Air 1, Air 2, and Air 5 helicopters will be among those deployed. (@BCRCMP/ X.com)
Canada’s public safety minister says helicopters are now being used in Surrey to help police deal with a rise in extortion-related crime. The announcement came this week in Ottawa, where the minister said the situation is serious and more support is being sent to the region.
Police later confirmed that RCMP helicopters are being used as needed, both during the day and at night. These aircraft are part of the RCMP’s air services fleet and are already used across the Lower Mainland to support police operations.
However, local police say some details are still being worked out. Surrey Police have asked for more regular helicopter patrols to help prevent gun violence linked to extortion, but say they are still waiting for clear plans. More information is expected after a national meeting of police leaders on extortion, which will be held in Surrey soon.
🔑 Key Details:
Federal officials say helicopters are being used to support police in Surrey
RCMP air units may fly during day or night as needed
Local police are asking for more regular helicopter patrols
National Police Meeting on Extortion Set for Surrey
Top cops from across Canada will meet at BC RCMP’s headquarters at Green Timbers in Surrey within the next two weeks to discuss the extortion crisis. (FILE: Anna Burns/ Surrey-Now-Leader)
Top police leaders from B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario will meet in Surrey in the next two weeks to address the growing extortion crisis. Premier David Eby says the goal is to improve information sharing, close gaps, and make sure police have the tools they need.
The meeting will take place at the RCMP headquarters in Green Timbers, highlighting Surrey’s central role in tackling the issue. Extortion cases have been reported not just in Surrey, but in other cities across Western and Central Canada, making this a national concern.
Surrey city council has already asked the federal government to declare a state of emergency related to extortion. City and provincial leaders say they want faster action, clearer communication with the public, and stronger police support to help affected communities feel safe again.
Local leaders hope the meeting will lead to real action and relief for businesses and families dealing with fear and violence.
🔑 Key Details:
Top police from four provinces will meet in Surrey within two weeks
The meeting will focus on the extortion crisis affecting multiple cities
Up to 20 federal RCMP officers will be deployed to support enforcement
City Updates
Pattullo and Stal̕əw̓asəm Bridges to Close for One Week Starting Feb. 6
Two bridges connecting Surrey and New Westminster over Fraser River. (Photo: x.com/pattulloproject)
Drivers in Surrey should plan for major traffic changes starting Friday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. Both the Pattullo Bridge and the new Stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge will be closed for one full week, meaning there will be no direct vehicle route between Surrey and New Westminster during that time.
The closure is needed so crews can finish connecting the new bridge to roads on both sides of the Fraser River. During the shutdown, drivers will need to use other crossings like the Port Mann or Alex Fraser bridges, which are expected to be much busier.
After the week-long closure, the bridges will reopen with four lanes of traffic split between the old and new bridges. By late February, all four lanes are expected to open on the new Stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge. Once that happens, the old Pattullo Bridge will begin coming down over the next two years.
While the closure will be disruptive, it marks a key step toward finishing a long-awaited bridge replacement.
🔑 Key Details:
Both bridges close Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. for one week
No vehicle access between Surrey and New Westminster during closure
Four lanes expected to open on the new bridge later in February
More info: Project updates at pattullobridgereplacement.ca
Surrey–Langley SkyTrain Still Set to Open in 2029
Gilles Assier, executive project director of the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain Project, presenting an update to Surrey’s council-in-committee for work being done in 2026. (Screen shot)
The new SkyTrain line connecting Whalley to Langley City is still on track to open in late 2029, according to an update given to Surrey city council this week. Project leaders say major construction milestones are being met, with strong progress made over the past year.
Crews are finishing foundations and starting full station construction in 2026. By the end of this year, all stations along the route are expected to be under construction. The project team says they are working closely with residents and businesses to reduce noise, dust, and traffic impacts during construction.
Once complete, the 14-kilometre SkyTrain line will include eight stations and three transit exchanges. The stations are being designed as community hubs, with green space, plazas, and public art. Testing will begin in 2028 before trains open to riders the following year.
🔑 Key Details:
SkyTrain service between Surrey and Langley is planned for late 2029
All stations are expected to be under construction in 2026
The line will run 14 km with 8 stations and 3 exchanges
Community Digest
Country Concert to Kick Off 2026 Cloverdale Rodeo
Close up of poster announcing new Thursday night concert at the 2026 Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair. (Image via cloverdalerodeo.com)
The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is adding a big new start to its 2026 lineup. For the first time since 2008, the event will open with a Thursday night kickoff concert, launching the rodeo a day earlier than usual.
The concert will feature Canadian country star Brett Kissel and rising artist Cooper Alan at the Longhorn Saloon. Organizers say bringing back the kickoff concert helps the event grow and gives the community more to enjoy.
The rodeo will now run for five days, from Thursday to Monday. The fairgrounds will open earlier on Thursday, with rides, games, food trucks, and live entertainment available before the concert starts.
🔑 Key Details:
Kickoff concert returns Thursday, May 14, 2026
Brett Kissel and Cooper Alan headline the show
Rodeo expands to five days for the first time
More info: Tickets and details at cloverdalerodeo.com/country-fair-kickoff
Former Surrey Council Candidate Fined Over Campaign Rules
Facebook image of Rina Gill campaign message.
A former Surrey city council candidate has been fined $1,500 for breaking campaign finance rules. Rina Gill ran in the 2022 election but was not elected. Elections BC says she failed to return a contribution that was not allowed under the law.
The issue started after Gill filed campaign reports showing expenses but no income. Later reports added contributions, including money she said she put into her own campaign. Elections BC then received a complaint from a local vendor about an unpaid campaign bill.
Investigators found that a large part of the bill stayed unpaid for more than six months. Under B.C. rules, unpaid campaign debts can count as illegal contributions if they are not handled properly. Elections BC says Gill was told to return the contribution but did not.
Campaign finance rules are meant to keep local elections fair and transparent. Elections BC says candidates must follow the same rules, even if they are not elected.
🔑 Key Details:
Former Surrey council candidate fined $1,500
Unpaid campaign debt was treated as an illegal contribution
Payment or appeal deadlines are now in place
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Exciting Events: January 30th - February 2nd
Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.
Sports🏒
Victoria Grizzlies vs Surrey Eagles | 4PM, Feb. 1 ($)
Location: South Surrey Arena
Description: Victoria crosses over into South Surrey for a battle with the Eagles
Community Fun🎆
Outdoor Skating at Civic Plaza | Dec. 1-Feb. 16 (FREE)
Location: Surrey Civic Plaza
Description: This winter, enjoy ice skating at a new covered outdoor rink and other fun and festive activations with family and friends at Surrey Civic Plaza from December 1, 2025 to February 16, 2026.
The Clayton Coffee House | 6PM-7:30PM Jan. 30 (FREE)
Location: Performing Arts Studio at Clayton Community Centre
Description: The Clayton Coffee House is a monthly performance opportunity for both aspiring and established poets, spoken-word artists, novelists, musicians, improvisers or comedians to share their work with the community.
Surrey BC SPCA - Paint Your Pet | 2PM-4PM Jan. 31 ($)
Location: SPCA Surrey - 16748 50th Avenue
Description: No previous painting experience needed—just bring your favourite photo of your pet! Amrit Bains, a talented local artist, will lead the class and help you bring your painting to life. We will provide the canvas, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, and instruction.
World Wetlands Day | 10AM-2PM Feb. 1 (FREE)
Location: Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club - 1284 184th Street
Description: Celebrate with the Little Campbell Watershed Society and learn about why our wetlands are so important for wildlife, us and our communities.
RazzMaJazz Ensemble | 1:30PM-5PM Feb. 1 ($)
Location: Crescent Beach Legion
Description: Enjoy a fun afternoon of dancing and socializing at RC Legion 240. We have a beautiful sprung wood dance floor, plenty of seating and a cash bar.
Performances🎭
The Great Canadian Sing-A-Long | Jan. 31 ($)
Location: Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre
Description: A feel-good and uplifting choir experience bursting with Canadian hits that you'll want to be a part of!
Kalaam-E-Ishq (Sufi Night) | 8PM Feb. 1 ($)
Location: Bell Performing Arts Centre
Description: Catch the top Canadian Sufi talent in your own city of Surrey bringing to you a soulful Sufi evening, Kalaam-E-Ishq. Featuring the Sukoon Band, Gurmukh Singh, Khushboo Sareen and Iqbal Sandhu. With full band the Sufi stars will perform Live in Surrey at Bell Centre on Sunday, February 1st, 2026!
Live Music, Dancing & Pub Events
Friday, January 30
Saturday, January 31
Sunday, February 1
Community Pet Spotlight: Ajay
Ajay is a 14-year-old gentleman with a decade of love under his collar. This Shih-Tzu–Havanese mix is equal parts fluff, charm, and heart—affectionate, endlessly lovable, and always ready to brighten someone’s day.
He may be small, but Ajay’s personality is huge. Big dogs (no matter how friendly) tend to awaken his inner “attack dog,” a classic case of small-dog confidence. And honestly? That bold spirit is just one more reason his family adores him.
Want your furry friend featured next? Send a photo and short description to [email protected] for a future spotlight!
How did you enjoys today's edition?
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