Happy Tuesday, Surrey!

We have yet another community pet spotlight for you today, so be sure to stick around to learn more about “Ollie”.

It’s officially Valentine’s week, and as you’d expect, we have a few Valentine’s themed events for you toward the end of the week.

Now pour yourself another coffee, take a breather, and let’s ease into what’s happening around town this week.

Now, In today’s edition:

- Mark

Surrey city council has approved a plan to ask Canada Soccer to build a new national soccer training centre in the city. The decision was made Monday as part of an early step in the selection process.

Canada Soccer is looking for ideas on where to place a future training centre ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The centre would be a permanent home for Canada’s national teams and would support player training, coaches, referees, and community programs.

City staff say Surrey is a strong choice because soccer is one of the city’s most popular sports. Surrey also has a large and growing youth population, good access to major roads, and space for large sports facilities.

🔑 Key Details:
• Surrey submitted an early proposal to host a Canada Soccer training centre
• Potential sites include Cloverdale, Newton, and South Surrey athletic parks
• Project is linked to the legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

More Info Here

Surrey’s annual Vaisakhi parade will take place on Saturday, April 18, bringing one of the city’s biggest events back to the streets of Newton. Organizers say the parade is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people, just like past years.

The parade begins at Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar and features colourful floats, music, and more than 2,500 participants. Along the route, families and local businesses traditionally hand out free food to parade-goers.

Because of the size of the event, organizers are reminding anyone who plans to give out food that a permit is required. Applications must be submitted to Fraser Health ahead of time. Without a permit, food cannot be handed out on parade day.

The Vaisakhi parade is one of the largest gatherings of the year. It brings road closures, huge crowds, and a strong sense of community, making early planning important for both attendees and nearby residents.

🔑 Key Details:
• Vaisakhi Parade takes place Saturday, April 18
• Expected to draw up to 600,000 people in Newton
• Food vendors must apply early for a Fraser Health permit

Link to more info: surreyvaisakhiparade.com

Surrey city council has approved a plan to build a 25-storey condo tower at 104 Avenue and 140 Street in Guildford. The project includes 305 homes, ground-floor shops, and underground parking. The decision passed third reading after a public hearing.

City staff estimate about 25 school-aged children will live in the building. Most are expected to attend Lena Shaw Elementary School and Guildford Park Secondary School, with some attending private or other schools.

At the hearing, a parents’ group raised concerns about school crowding. They said nearby schools are already close to or over capacity and worry that new housing is coming faster than new classrooms can be built.

🔑 Key Details:
• 25-storey tower with 305 condos approved in Guildford
• Nearby schools already near or over capacity
• Council approved the project with no debate

More Info Here

Surrey city council has approved a $5.3 million contract to build new roads and utilities near the future Newton Community Centre. The work will help improve access for cars, buses, bikes, and people walking.

Construction is set to begin in March 2026 and finish by summer. The work will take place near King George Boulevard, close to Newton Arena and the Newton Seniors Centre. These upgrades are considered early work before the community centre opens in 2030.

City staff say the road changes will also help prepare the area for future Bus Rapid Transit and support long-term plans for the Newton Town Centre. Most of the cost will be paid through development fees, with some funding from TransLink and city revenue.

🔑 Key Details:
• $5.3M approved for roads and utilities near Newton Community Centre
• Work starts March 2026 and finishes by summer
• Centre will open in 2030 with pools, gyms, and a large library

More Info Here

Relive the Music 50s & 60s SHOW is Back — With a New Twist!
After 158 standing ovations in a row across Canada, this fan-favourite production returns with something extra special. This time, it’s not just the biggest hits of the 50s and 60s — the show is expanding into the 70s with rock, disco, and funk classics that defined an era.

If you love timeless music, iconic performers, and high-energy live shows, this is one worth circling on your calendar. It’s like watching over two dozen tribute shows in a single evening, all brought together with stunning vocals, choreography, and live musicianship.

One of the highlights of the night is Luisa Marshall, a World Rock & Roll Champion, known for her appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Ellen Show. She’ll be joined by an incredible cast of singers, dancers, and a live band that brings three decades of music history to life.

The show doesn’t just entertain — it takes audiences on a journey through music trivia, cultural moments, and unforgettable memories from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Expect bold costumes, era-defining dance styles, and immersive video imagery that pulls everything together into a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

🎟 Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Tickets: $49 – $79 (all taxes & fees included)
Venue: Bell Performing Arts Centre
6250 – 144th St., Surrey
📞 604-507-6355

If you grew up with this music — or just love the sound, style, and energy of these decades — this show promises a night packed with nostalgia, fun, and unforgettable performances.

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

Surrey city council has approved 86 cultural grants worth $506,400 to support arts, culture, and heritage projects across the city in 2026. The funding was approved at a council meeting on February 9.

The grants are part of the Surrey Cultural Grants Program, which has been running since 2012. While the number of groups applying for funding keeps growing, the total funding pool has stayed around $500,000 for several years.

City staff say interest in the program is higher than ever. Applications have grown from just 34 in 2013 to 127 applications for 2026. Last year alone, funded events reached about 520,000 people across Surrey.

🔑 Key Details:
• 86 grants approved totaling $506,400 for 2026
• Applications have grown to 127 groups citywide
• Cultural events supported an estimated $10 million in economic impact

More Info Here

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

Ollie—whose initials proudly spell OCD—is equal parts cuddle bug and chaos coordinator. He’ll herd you in, snuggle close, throw in a gentle love bite, and then serenade you with the song of his tribe. Soft, sweet, wildly smart, and packed with shenanigans, Ollie is truly one of a kind.

A surprise gift from the cat distribution system, Ollie appeared in Armstrong, BC and found his forever home at just the right moment—arriving two years to the day after a much-loved cat crossed the rainbow bridge. At only 10 months old, he’s already a solid 10 pounds, complete with a squeaky little meow and a big personality.

By day, he’s an explorer, people-lover, and proud CatTV connoisseur (birds, fish, and mice preferred). By night, he always finds time to curl up for a cuddle. Recently crowned 13th place in America’s Favorite Pet, Ollie may have let fame go to his head—especially when he makes surprise on-camera cuddle cameos during work calls. After all, someone has to work so Ollie can maintain the lifestyle he deserves.

Want your furry friend featured next? Send a photo and short description to [email protected] for a future spotlight!

Thanks for reading The Surrey Digest! Let’s chat again on Friday!