Happy Friday, Surrey!

As we head into the weekend, we’ve got a few things worth checking out around the city.

A couple weeks ago, I mentioned the idea of a Car Buying Concierge service, and in today’s edition, I’m sharing a few more details on how it could work.

So grab your coffee, take a quick break, and let’s get you caught up on what’s happening around the city this weekend

Now, In today’s edition:

- Mark

Federal officials say they are stepping up efforts to fight extortion and organized crime in places like Surrey. The Canada Border Services Agency recently removed two individuals from the country after investigations.

Officials say both individuals were linked to organized crime activities, including extortion and other serious offences. Each case went through the legal process before deportation orders were issued.

The agency says it is working with police and other partners across Canada to investigate and remove people involved in criminal networks. These efforts are part of a larger plan to improve safety in communities.

Extortion has been a growing concern in Surrey and other parts of B.C. Officials say they will continue to take action against those involved.

🔑 Key Details:

• Two individuals were removed from Canada after organized crime investigations
• The cases were linked to extortion and other serious offences
• The Canada Border Services Agency is working with police across the country

More Info Here

A new survey shows most people in Surrey still rely on driving to get to work. The report was released by the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade as part of its annual roads survey.

The survey found that 82% of people drive to work, while smaller numbers work from home, take transit, walk, or cycle. The results highlight how important roads are for daily travel in Surrey.

Many businesses said traffic is a growing problem. Over 80% of respondents said congestion is affecting their business, causing delays, longer travel times, and higher costs.

The report also listed top priorities for road improvements, including upgrades to major routes like 152 Street and 16 Avenue. Leaders say Surrey’s fast growth is putting more pressure on roads and transportation systems.

🔑 Key Details:

• 82% of survey respondents said they drive to work
• Over 80% said traffic congestion impacts their business
• Road upgrades like 152 Street and 16 Avenue were listed as priorities

More Info Here

A new idea for a regional airport in Surrey was recently discussed with B.C.’s transportation minister. The idea would place an airport in the Campbell Heights area of South Surrey.

The topic came up during a local event when a business leader asked Mike Farnworth what it would take to make the project happen. The goal would be to support business growth and new development in the region.

Farnworth said airports are controlled by the federal government, so any plan would need support from both the province and Ottawa. He added that more details would be needed before any next steps could happen.

He also noted that nearby areas like Langley and Pitt Meadows already have airports, so officials would need to decide if a new airport is needed or if existing ones could be expanded.

🔑 Key Details:

• A regional airport idea was raised for South Surrey’s Campbell Heights area
• The project would require federal government approval
• The province is open to reviewing the idea if more details are provided

More Info Here

Surrey council has approved the next step of its new long-term growth plan, called the Official Community Plan (OCP) 2050. The plan will guide how the city grows over the next 30 years.

The vote came after a public hearing where some residents and leaders, including members of Semiahmoo First Nation, said they did not have enough time or input on the plan. Some people also raised concerns about possible increases in housing density in areas like Ocean Park and Crescent Beach.

City staff said the new plan does not change current zoning rules. They explained the update is needed to meet new provincial housing laws and help Surrey plan for future growth. The city also said it completed a large public engagement process before releasing the draft.

The plan must still go through more approvals before it becomes final. It will also be reviewed by Metro Vancouver before coming back to council.

The plan will shape housing, development, and neighbourhood growth across the city for decades.

🔑 Key Details:

• Surrey council approved the next step of its 2050 Official Community Plan
• Some residents and First Nations leaders raised concerns about consultation
• The plan will guide growth, housing, and development over the next 30 years

More Info Here

Surrey has launched a new digital tool to help speed up home building approvals. The system, called eCheck, helps check building plans before they are officially submitted.

The tool allows home designers to upload their plans and see if they follow the city’s zoning rules. This means problems can be fixed early, instead of causing delays later in the permit process.

Right now, eCheck is focused on the most common housing types, like single-family homes, duplexes, and garden suites. The city tested the system with local designers before launching it to the public.

City staff say the goal is to reduce wait times and make the building permit process smoother. More housing zones will be added to the system in the future.

🔑 Key Details:

• Surrey launched a new digital tool called eCheck for building permits
• The system helps check zoning rules before plans are submitted
• The goal is to reduce delays and speed up home construction

More Info Here

My background over the past 20 years has been working inside the automotive industry — specifically helping dealerships market and sell their vehicles.

In that time, I’ve seen how overwhelming the car buying process can feel.

Between financing structures, hidden add-ons, trade-in values, and pricing strategies… there’s a lot happening behind the scenes that most people aren’t aware of.

So I’m working on something new.

A Car Buying Concierge Service — designed to help everyday buyers navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

Whether you're buying new or used, financing or paying cash, the goal is simple:
Help you make a better decision (and avoid costly mistakes)

I’m currently opening this up to a small number of people locally.

If this is something you’d be interested in, you can learn more here:

A major event focused on racism in health care is coming to Surrey this month. Kwantlen Polytechnic University will host its annual Anti-Racism Symposium on March 23.

The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Eniola Salami, who will talk about her experiences in medicine and how racism can affect both doctors and patients. Her presentation will focus on the need for change in the health-care system.

The symposium will also include panel discussions and the university’s first Black Excellence Awards. These awards will recognize students, staff, and alumni for their contributions and leadership.

Local MLA Amna Shah is also expected to speak at the event. Organizers say the goal is to bring people together to talk about important issues and find ways to improve fairness in health care.

🔑 Key Details:

• KPU’s Anti-Racism Symposium takes place March 23 in Surrey
• The event will focus on racism in health care
• Admission is free, but registration is required

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!