History of Surrey, BC

Surrey's Roots

The Semiahmoo, Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations People have lived in the region for thousands of years. Settlements along the mouth of the Fraser River, at Crescent Beach, at the mouth of the Campbell River and in the north along the sheltered bends of the Fraser River had well established villages and temporary or seasonal settlements.

Community life centered on hunting and fishing, tidal resources of shellfish and river supplies of salmon, herring, and oolichans. Shorelines and forests of birds, deer, elk and bear provided resources to support life in the delta of the Fraser River. The Campbell, Nicomekl and Serpentine Rivers were the inland routes used for trading and communication. The coastal waterways connected the First Nations to the surrounding communities.

Surrey's Growth

Newcomers from diverse regions of the world began to settle in Surrey during the late 1800s. By 1880, 200 newcomers are recorded as residing in Surrey. The agricultural land was heavily forested with canopies of fir, cedar and hemlock. Logging began, the land was cleared and small farming communities grew. Surrey was incorporated as a Municipality in 1879 and didn’t officially become a city until September of 1993. We have a rich history of people with diverse ethnic backgrounds who have come together to make us one of BC's most unique communities.

There are several elements that make up the Coat of Arms, including:

• Five stars to represent our five original town centres
• Wavy bands to symbolize the Serpentine, Campbell, and Nicomekl Rivers
• The Peace Arch to represent the US, our neighbour to the South
• A canoe to represent Surrey’s Indigenous communities
• A micro tower on a horse’s pendant to represent modern communication
• A tree on the other horse’s pendant to represent our forests
• A beaver, to represent Surrey’s municipal seal at the time.
• Binary code on a horse’s collar to represent computers.
• Ermine pattern on another horse’s collar to represent Surrey, England.
• A racehorse to represent Cloverdale (left).
• A farm horse to represent Surrey’s agricultural industry (right).

A motto of “Progress Through Diversification” appears in Latin on the bottom.

Experience More Surrey Heritage

Surrey boasts a vibrant Heritage Services department that celebrates Surrey’s history, educates citizens and offers many ways to get involved. Experience living history at Historic Stewart Farm, see artifacts of Surrey’s past and diverse present at Museum of Surrey or check out the Surrey Archives to explore historic photos and documents.

Search Surrey's Online Heritage Database

Heritage Sites in Surrey

We also have dozens of designated heritage sites in each of our town centres. Check out:

• Cloverdale heritage sites
• Fleetwood heritage sites
• Guildford heritage sites
• Newton heritage sites
• Whalley heritage sites
• South Surrey heritage sites