Happy Friday, Surrey!

We’ve had a great response to the very first Surrey Digest Dinner Club — lots of early sign-ups already, which is awesome to see.

One important note: to actually secure your spot, you’ll need to complete the short quiz — not just enter your email on the intro page. That’s how we match everyone and confirm seats.

Now grab your coffee, take a quick scroll, and let’s see what’s happening around Surrey this long weekend!

Now, In today’s edition:

- Mark

New numbers from the Surrey Police Service show crime is going up in the early part of 2026. Crimes against people are up 25% compared to last year. That includes things like assaults, robberies, and other violent incidents.

Some categories saw very large jumps. Police reported a big rise in extortion cases and incidents involving shots fired. There were also three homicides reported so far this year, compared to none at the same time last year.

Property crime also went up slightly. Break-ins at businesses and thefts from vehicles both increased. At the same time, police are dealing with more mental health calls, missing persons cases, and impaired driving incidents.

This shows changing safety trends in the city. While total police calls stayed about the same, the types of incidents officers are responding to are becoming more serious in some areas.

🔑 Key Details:

• Crimes against people are up 25% in 2026 (1,302 vs. 1,040 last year)
• Large increases in extortion cases and shots fired incidents
• Property crime rose 6%, with more break-ins and thefts from vehicles

More Info Here

Surrey’s biggest annual event, the Vaisakhi parade, is returning on April 18 with new safety rules in place. The parade, which draws hundreds of thousands of people to Newton each year, will now include stronger security following a tragic festival incident last year in Vancouver.

The Surrey Police Service says there will be more checkpoints, barriers, and road closures to help keep everyone safe. Drones and cameras will also be used to monitor the large crowds and help find missing people if needed.

The parade will begin at the Gurdwara in Newton at 9 a.m. and run through the afternoon. Many roads in the area will be closed, and traffic delays are expected throughout the day. Parking will also be limited, and special passes will be needed in some areas.

Whether you are attending or just traveling nearby, expect delays and follow safety guidelines to help make the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.

🔑 Key Details:

• Vaisakhi parade takes place April 18 and draws around 500,000 people
• Increased security includes checkpoints, barriers, drones, and cameras
• Major road closures and traffic delays expected in Newton from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More Info Here

A major new housing project is coming to Tynehead in North Surrey. Local builder BM Group has bought a 10-acre site for $34.5 million and plans to build 173 townhomes on the land.

The site is on Bothwell Drive, near 92 Avenue, where some older homes are waiting to be torn down. This will be one of the first large townhouse projects in the area, which has mostly been single-family homes until now.

For years, Tynehead was expected to have more commercial buildings. But plans have changed, and the area is now being shaped for more housing. This project could help set the stage for future growth and bring more people into the neighbourhood.

🔑 Key Details:

• BM Group bought a 10-acre site in Tynehead for $34.5 million
• Plan includes 173 townhomes, one of the first large projects in the area
• Construction could begin next year, with development lasting about four years

More Info Here

B.C.’s Attorney General, Niki Sharma, is asking the federal government to bring in new rules to limit social media use for young people. She wants Canada to look at what Australia has already done, where kids under 16 are not allowed to have social media accounts.

Sharma says more research is showing that social media can harm young people. It can lead to anxiety and other mental health problems. She says many parents are asking the government to step in and protect kids online.

She also believes tech companies should not be left to make their own rules. Instead, there should be clear laws, age limits, and stronger monitoring. She wants companies to report serious online incidents, especially when safety is at risk.

This could lead to new rules around how kids use social media. While nothing has been decided yet, the federal government may take action later this year.

🔑 Key Details:

• B.C. is urging Canada to limit social media use for minors
• Australia bans social media accounts for kids under 16
• New rules could include age limits and stronger reporting from tech companies

More Info Here

The Museum of Surrey is bringing back its annual Indigenous culture fair this spring. The event, called Cedar, Sage & Sweetgrass, will take place on Saturday, May 2 and is open to all ages.

This one-day festival celebrates Indigenous culture, art, and community. Visitors can enjoy live music, dance, food, and a marketplace filled with handmade goods from Indigenous artists across B.C.

New this year is a special Indigenous fashion show. It will feature both traditional and modern designs, giving attendees a chance to see unique clothing and styles up close.

It’s is a great chance to support local artists, learn about Indigenous culture, and enjoy a free community event with family and friends.

🔑 Key Details:

• Cedar, Sage & Sweetgrass takes place May 2 from 12–5 p.m.
• Hosted at the Museum of Surrey in Cloverdale
• Features live performances, artisan market, and a new fashion show

More Info Here

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

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