Happy Friday, Surrey!

We’re taking a short break from our community pet spotlight — but please keep sending in your pets! We’ve loved featuring them, and we’ll be bringing the spotlight back soon.

In the meantime, this weekend is packed. With Valentine’s Day and the Family Day long weekend ahead, there are a lot of events happening around Surrey — whether you’re planning a date night, something fun with the kids, or just looking for a reason to get out of the house.

So top up your coffee, take a quick pause, and let’s dive into everything happening around the city this weekend.

Now, In today’s edition:

- Mark

Surrey city council says it wants more control over how land is used in the city. Right now, many land-use decisions must go through the Metro Vancouver Regional District, where smaller cities and towns also get a vote.

Several Surrey councillors said the current voting system does not fairly reflect Surrey’s large population. They argue that smaller communities have equal or similar voting power, even though Surrey has more than 700,000 residents.

Mayor Brenda Locke said Surrey should be able to “control its own destiny” when it comes to planning housing, jobs, and industrial land. Council voted not to support four options proposed by Metro Vancouver related to regional land-use rules.

Land use decisions affect where homes, businesses, and services are built. City leaders say having more local control could help Surrey plan faster for growth and create more jobs.

🔑 Key Details:
• Surrey wants more control over local land-use decisions
• Council rejected four planning options proposed by Metro Vancouver
• Leaders say the current regional voting system is unfair

More Info Here

A 42-year-old man has been charged after 14 semi-trailers were allegedly stolen from a Surrey dealer. Police say the trailers were worth more than $1 million in total.

The investigation began in December 2024 after the theft was reported. Surrey Police say the case stretched beyond the city, with search warrants carried out in Surrey and Chilliwack. Officers also worked with other cities during the investigation.

Police say several trailers, tools, and vehicles were seized. The suspect now faces multiple charges related to possessing stolen property and altering vehicle identification numbers.

🔑 Key Details:
• 14 semi-trailers allegedly stolen, worth over $1M
• 42-year-old man charged with multiple offences
• Suspect released on bail, next court date Feb. 18

More Info Here

Surrey city council has approved a plan to partner with Total Life Care Granville Medical Inc. to open new medical clinics in the city. The goal is to help fix the shortage of family doctors in Surrey.

The City will provide space for the clinics and offer extended health benefits to doctors. In return, the operator will run the clinics and handle patient care. City officials say this model limits financial risk while helping residents find family doctors.

Councillor Linda Annis has spoken out against the plan. She says using tax dollars to support one clinic operator puts existing Surrey medical clinics at a disadvantage. Mayor Brenda Locke says the move is needed because Surrey has far fewer family doctors per person compared to other cities.

Many people in Surrey do not have a family doctor. City leaders say this plan could improve access to care, while critics worry about fairness and taxpayer costs.

🔑 Key Details:
• City to spend about $100,000 per clinic per year for space
• Operator will run clinics and doctors bill MSP directly
• Plan aims to address Surrey’s family doctor shortage

More Info Here

The Cloverdale Community Association has launched a new survey asking residents to share their thoughts on the future of Cloverdale. The survey covers topics like crime, public safety, development, transit, and community needs.

Organizers say they want to better understand what matters most to people living in East Surrey. Early responses show many residents are concerned about crime, safety, and how fast the area is growing. Others have shared ideas like adding a new swimming pool and improving transit.

The association says the survey will help them speak up for residents when talking to the City and Province. Different neighborhoods have different concerns, but public safety has been the most common issue so far.

🔑 Key Details:
• Survey asks about crime, safety, transit, and development
• Early responses show strong concern about public safety
• Survey open until at least March 11

Link to more info: cloverdalecommunity.org

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