Happy Tuesday, Surrey!

Things are starting to pick up around the city again. After a quieter stretch, more events are returning, and the calendar is beginning to fill with activities, performances, and community gatherings.

In this edition, you’ll find a mix of city updates and a growing list of things to do — whether you’re looking for something family-friendly, local, or just an excuse to get out of the house. It’s a good sign that spring is getting closer and the city is waking back up.

Now, In today’s edition:

  • 20 Avenue Overpass Gets Green Light in South Surrey

  • Truck Hits 192 Street Overpass Again

  • Mayor Says City Taking Action on Public Safety

  • Two South Surrey Homes Up for Grabs in 2026 Choices Lottery

  • Surrey Festivals Open Performer Applications for 2026

  • Many events Happening Around the City This Weekend (Comedy, Performances & Family Fun!)

- Mark

News

20 Avenue Overpass Gets Green Light in South Surrey

A new overpass at 20 Avenue over Highway 99 is officially moving ahead after Surrey city council approved a $26 million construction contract. The project is expected to be finished by the end of next year and aims to reduce traffic delays in a busy part of South Surrey.

City leaders say this overpass has been needed for years. With new developments coming to the area — including a Costco — traffic has been getting worse. The overpass should help take pressure off nearby roads like 19 Avenue and 24 Avenue.

The project also includes widening parts of 20 Avenue to four lanes and adding a new water-main crossing. Most of the cost will be paid for using development fees, not property taxes, which city leaders say is good news for residents.

🔑 Key Details:

  • A new overpass at 20 Avenue over Highway 99 is approved

  • The $26M project is expected to be finished by the end of next year

  • Most of the project is paid for through development cost charges

Truck Hits 192 Street Overpass Again, Causing Delays

The 192nd Street overpass on Hwy #1 is seen Jan. 14 after a truck travelling eastbound struck the overpass while transporting an excavator. The overpass was also hit in July, 2022, also by a truck towing an excavator.

Another truck has hit the 192 Street overpass in Port Kells, causing traffic problems on Highway 1. The crash happened around 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 14 when a commercial truck carrying an excavator struck the overpass.

Police closed one eastbound lane on Highway 1 while crews checked the damage. Drivers were warned to expect delays as safety inspections were carried out. Officials say the overpass was visibly damaged and needed to be checked before traffic could fully return to normal.

This isn’t the first time this overpass has been hit. A similar crash happened a few years ago and took months to repair, raising concerns about safety and repeated closures for Surrey-area drivers.

🔑 Key Details:

  • A truck hit the 192 Street overpass in Port Kells on Jan. 14

  • One eastbound lane on Highway 1 was closed, causing delays

  • The same overpass was badly damaged in a similar crash in 2022

City Updates

Mayor Says City Taking Action on Public Safety

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has issued a statement about public safety in Surrey.

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke says the city is working hard to address recent violence and help residents feel safe. In a statement this week, she said ongoing extortions and gang-related incidents have affected too many people across Surrey.

The mayor says public safety is a top priority for the city. She noted that Surrey has increased funding for policing, upgraded traffic cameras, and created new safety programs to better respond to crime. The city is also working closely with provincial and federal partners to get more help.

City leaders say they understand residents are worried and want action. The mayor says she will continue pushing for more resources and fast solutions so people can feel safe in their homes, neighbourhoods, and businesses.

🔑 Key Details:

  • Surrey has added $100 million to policing since 2021

  • The city has requested 150 more police officers

  • More than 600 traffic cameras have been upgraded

Two South Surrey Homes Up for Grabs in 2026 Choices Lottery

A South Surrey home at 16243 10 Avenue is one of the grand prize options in BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s 2026 Choices Lottery.

Two luxury homes in South Surrey are among the grand prize options in the 2026 Choices Lottery, supporting BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Both homes are worth more than $3 million and are part of prize packages that also include vehicles, furniture, and large cash bonuses.

One home is near White Rock’s waterfront, while the other is in the Ocean Park area. The grand prize winner can choose one of 11 home packages across B.C. or take $2.5 million in tax-free cash — the biggest cash option the lottery has ever offered.

All ticket sales help fund research and care at BC Children’s Hospital. Organizers say every ticket helps support life-saving treatments and gives kids across the province a healthier future.

🔑 Key Details:

  • Two South Surrey homes worth over $3M are grand prize options

  • Winner can choose a home package or $2.5M in tax-free cash

  • Lottery proceeds support research and care at BC Children’s Hospital

More info: Tickets and details at bcchildren.com

Community Digest

Surrey Festivals Open Performer Applications for 2026

Musicians on the Surrey Canada Day stage. (facebook.com/SurreyCanadaDay photo)

The City of Surrey is looking for performers for its three biggest festivals in 2026. Applications are now open for Party for the Planet, Surrey Canada Day, and Surrey Fusion Festival — all free events that draw big crowds each year.

These festivals give local artists a chance to perform on large stages and reach thousands of people. Last year’s Canada Day event alone brought out about 75,000 attendees. Organizers say the goal is to celebrate culture, community, and local talent from all backgrounds.

Deadlines are coming up soon, so performers and sponsors are encouraged to apply early if they want to be part of Surrey’s biggest celebrations.

🔑 Key Details:

  • Applications are open for three major Surrey festivals in 2026

  • Deadline is March 1 for Party for the Planet and April 1 for Canada Day and Fusion Festival

  • All festivals are free to attend and focus on cultural diversity and local talent

More info: Apply through City of Surrey at surreycanadaday.ca/get-involved

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Exciting Events: January 16th -19th

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

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.

  • Taylor Swift Ice Skating Night | 4PM-6PM Jan. 17 (FREE)

    • Location: Surrey Civic Plaza

    • Description: Get ready to glide, sing, and sparkle at Taylor Swift Ice Skating Night at Surrey Civic Plaza! Bring your friends, your skates, and your best era's inspired winter outfit for an evening of music, fun, and pop-star energy.

  • Pataka Esports Festival | Jan. 17-18 ($)

    • Location: Surrey City Hall Atrium

    • Description: It's the ultimate IRL (in real life) arena for competitive gaming, families, kids and anyone who loves video games. Battle it out in tournaments or come experience the high-energy atmosphere infused with South Asian culture. This epic event is brought together by Galint Gaming, Western Canada's premier Esports organizer.

  • Hockey Day in Canada Punjabi - Live in Surrey | 1PM-9PM Jan. 17 (FREE)

    • Location: Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex & Museum of Surrey

    • Description: Hosted by the City of Surrey in partnership with the Museum of Surrey and the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex, this special celebration brings Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada in Punjabi live to the community.

  • Nature Work Party | 10AM-12PM Jan. 17 (FREE)

    • Location: Bob Rutledge Park

    • Description: Remove invasive plant species, clean up litter, and enhance habitat within the park. Tools and training are provided. Bring your family and friends—all ages are welcome!

  • Preschool Open Houses | 10AM-12PM Jan. 17 & 18 (FREE)

    • Location: Various Locations

    • Description: See what City of Surrey's preschools look like and get more information about your child's care!

  • How We Connect Art Party | 6PM-9PM Jan. 17 (FREE)

    • Location: Surrey Art Gallery

    • Description: Join us to celebrate our winter exhibitions at Surrey Art Gallery!

  • 2-Film Festival Pride Meets Faith | 2:30PM-8:30PM Jan. 17 ($)

    • Location: Earl Marriott Secondary School

    • Description: The White Rock Pride Society, in partnership with Peninsula United Church, is proud to present Pride Meets Faith: Voices of Love, a two-film festival exploring the intersections of faith, identity, love, and inclusion.

Performances🎭

  • Burning Mom | Jan. 14-24 ($)

    • Location: Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre

    • Description: In this inspiring comedy, Dorothy realizes that life is too short to delay your aspirations. After losing her husband, she decides to take their RV on the road trip of his retirement dreams: she’s going to Burning Man. After all, it’s only a 21-hour drive to a weeklong culture festival and party with no plumbing in the middle of a desert—how hard can it be?

  • White Rock Rythm Kings | 1:30PM, Jan. 18 ($)

    • Location: Crescent Beach Legion

    • Description: Join us for a great afternoon of Sunday jazz with the White Rock Rhythm Kings featuring Al Guraliuk and Casey Thomas-Burns!

Comedy❗

  • Leland Klassen | Jan. 16 & 17 ($)

    • Location: Yuk Yuks Comedy Club

    • Description: Leland Klassen has toured all over North America for more than twenty-five years and has been on CBC television, CTV’s Comedy channel in Canada, as well as Netflix and Amazon Prime in the US as well as starred in several feature films. His show combines hilarious storytelling, quirky charm, brazen physicality and high-energy for a show you won’t want to miss.

Live Music, Dancing & Pub Events

Friday, January 16

  • The Limit | Donegal's Irish House | 8PM: More info

Saturday, January 17

  • Karaoke | Green Timbers Pub | 7:30PM: More info

  • Karaoke | Baselines Pub South Surrey | 9PM: More info

  • Trama 25 | Donegal's Irish House | 8PM: More info

  • SuperCamp | The Bennett Craft Kitchen | 7:30PM: More info

Sunday, January 18

  • Karaoke | Green Timbers Pub | 7:30PM: More info

  • Sunday Blues Jam | Donegal's Irish House | 5PM: More info

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