Happy Tuesday, Surrey!

Quick heads up before you scroll.

We’ve got a short survey in today’s newsletter about a new idea we’re thinking of bringing to the city. It’s something a little different, and built around meeting people and doing something fun together.

Take a second to check it out and let us know what you think. Your feedback will decide if this actually happens.

Now, In today’s edition:

- Mark

Several Surrey-area restaurants are taking part in Dine Out Vancouver, Canada’s largest food and drink festival. The event runs from Jan. 21 to Feb. 8 and happens during a slower time of year for restaurants, giving people a reason to dine out and try something new.

This year, 19 restaurants in the Surrey and South Fraser region are offering special fixed-price menus. Options range from casual spots to sit-down dining, with prices for different budgets and many cuisine choices.

🔑 Key Details:

More info: Browse menus at dineoutvancouver.com/restaurants

TransLink is asking Surrey residents to share feedback on a proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along King George Boulevard. Three open houses are being held this month where people can learn about the plan, ask questions, and give input.

The proposed BRT would run between Surrey City Centre and Semiahmoo Town Centre, using dedicated bus lanes and covered stations to make trips faster and more reliable. TransLink says the route could cut travel time by about 40%, making it easier to get across the city.

This is a chance to help shape a major transit project before it’s funded or built—especially for areas like Newton that have waited years for rapid transit.

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More info: Event details and survey at translink.ca

Surrey city staff are recommending several utility rate increases for 2026 as part of the city’s required five-year financial plan. If approved, water, sewer, drainage, garbage, and district energy costs would all go up next year. Parking fees are also being reviewed and could change based on demand and time of day.

City staff say many of the increases are tied to higher costs from Metro Vancouver and FortisBC. These outside costs are passed on to the city, which then affects household bills. Similar increases have happened in recent years.

A public hearing will be held later this month, giving residents a chance to speak before council votes. If approved, the changes would mean slightly higher annual bills for most Surrey households and businesses.

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More Info Here

Drivers in Surrey should expect traffic changes in early February as final work continues on the Pattullo Bridge replacement. For about one week, both the old Pattullo Bridge and the new Stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge will be closed to connect the new bridge to roads on the Surrey and New Westminster sides.

During the closure, drivers will need to use the Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges, which are expected to be busier than usual. Once the work is done, both bridges will reopen with four lanes of traffic, and more lanes on the new bridge will open later in February.

This project affects daily commutes and long-term travel across the Fraser River. While the short closure may cause delays, the new bridge is meant to improve safety and traffic flow for years to come.

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More Info Here

Surrey is starting to prepare for the FIFA World Cup, which is expected to bring more visitors and attention to the city. A free business information event will be held at Surrey City Hall on Jan. 27 to help local businesses learn what opportunities may be coming.

While there are no confirmed city-run fan events in Surrey yet, the meeting will cover ideas for celebrations, business promotions, and what permits or licences may be needed. City staff say planning is still early, but they want businesses to be informed ahead of time.

With World Cup games being played in Vancouver, including matches featuring Team Canada, Surrey leaders say this is a rare chance for local businesses to benefit from increased tourism and global attention.

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More Info Here

Hundreds of gamers gathered at Surrey City Hall for the second Pataka E-sport Festival, a two-day event that mixed video game competition with South Asian culture. More than 300 players from B.C., Alberta, and Washington State took part in the fighting game tournament.

This was the first time an e-sports event was held inside a city hall. Council chambers were turned into a theatre-style space so fans could watch matches live. Organizers say fighting games are special because players compete side by side, creating real energy and connection.

The festival also focused on sharing South Asian culture through food, music, and clothing. Organizers say events like this help build community, celebrate diversity, and make Surrey a more welcoming place. The team hopes to bring the festival back to City Hall next year.

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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 Friday!