aerial of surrey city centre

2024 City Achievements

Celebrating our progress: Highlights of Surrey's transformative milestones in 2024

We have made significant strides in expanding public services, investing in infrastructure, and fostering economic growth.

The investments we’ve made in our parks, transportation network, and housing developments reflect our dedication to creating a thriving and inclusive environment for everyone.

 

Mayor Brenda Locke
“2024 has been a pivotal year for Surrey, driven by our Council’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for every resident. As we grow to become a city of one million people, it’s time for us to define a bold new path forward, acknowledging our incredible potential.”
Mayor Brenda Locke

 

Road Upgrades

Council approved a $300 million four-year plan to enhance Surrey’s road network to support economic expansion and enhance quality of life for residents. Improvements in 2024 included:

76.4km of new and upgraded roads

street


Equivalent to driving from Surrey to Chilliwack

More than 11,500 potholes filled 

workers fill a pothole


Equivalent to resurfacing 10 road kilometers or filling an Olympic-sized swimming pool

36 crosswalks, 45 intersections improved

person using crosswalk

 

To boost safety, ease traffic flow, and reduce congestion

12.1km of new pedestrian and cycling paths added

cyclist


Improving connectivity and making active travel more accessible for everyone

 

Investing in Community

In 2024, Council approved a historic capital program, launching 13 new projects valued at $715.9 million. This investment will enhance Surrey's infrastructure, benefiting its growing population and reinforcing its status as one of Canada's most vibrant and livable cities

  • signs describing buildings to come

    Newton Community Centre

    The largest-ever capital project in the City's history, with a budget of $310.6 million.

    This state-of-the-art facility will include a swimming pool, library, dedicated art space, child care, and fitness centre. 

    Learn more

Capital Projects

Explore many more projects planned or currently under construction in Surrey, including roads and utilities, arenas, sports fields, parks, and arts & culture amenities.
Learn More

 

Diverse Housing

In Surrey, we’re transforming our approach from regulation to facilitation, driving record-breaking housing development. Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, we’re streamlining development approvals, increasing density near rapid transit, and supporting below-market and affordable rentals.

These initiatives align with our commitment to diverse housing and our Housing Action Plan target of a 27.8% increase in new housing within three years.

Record-setting Year for Development

6,297 approved housing units

$2.8+ billion construction value for issued building permits

2,560 housing units as a result of incentive programs

Economic Development

  • Aerial City Centre, Surrey, May 2024

    We’re Creating Jobs and Business Opportunities in Every Sector

    As one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, our goal is to create one job for every resident worker. The City continues to drive economic recovery, and build a resilient future with Surrey as a hub for economic development. 2024 highlights include:

    • 9,230 new jobs created
    • 3,300 new business licences
    • 26,381 total number of businesses in Surrey
    • A surge in manufacturing jobs
    Learn more
  • aerial of surrey

    Economic Strategy 2024

    Our award-winning strategy advances Surrey's vision as a modern, world-class city, renowned for innovation and investment. 

    The plan aims to create 300,000 jobs by 2042, ensuring one job per resident worker as the population is set to reach one million.

    Learn more

 

Community Safety

Ensuring a safe and thriving community is a top priority for this Council. We continue to invest in public safety, making Surrey a place where everyone can thrive. Some key programs and highlights from 2024 include: 

  • City of Surrey Bylaw Officer in uniform and helmet adjusts his radio, another officer in the background adjusts his helmet.

    New Surrey Outreach Team

    1,211 people were served through new Surrey Outreach Team, with Surrey Bylaws partnering with community organizations to provide homeless outreach, including shelter and referrals and housing applications.

    Learn more
  • SFS Trucks with Crew

    Surrey Fire Services

    18 new firefighters hired to support Surrey Fire Services, providing emergency response, risk reduction, and preparedness as well as public assistance and education.

    Learn more

Bylaws Response

14,220

Calls for illegal construction, noise, property use, and fireworks complaints

18,640

Calls for parking complaints

4,843 

Calls for animal control investigations

Surrey Fire Services Response

3,919 

Calls for fires

22,013 calls

Calls for medical

14,356

Calls for alarms, motor vehicle incidents, rescues, and hazmat calls

 

Sustainability

With a focus on creating a thriving, green, and inclusive City, Surrey is advancing its Climate Change Action Strategy to become zero-carbon and climate-resilient by 2050. Initiatives such as planting trees, reducing waste, and providing convenient disposal options are driving a cleaner, greener future.

  • Mother and child tree planting

    Growing Surrey’s Urban Forest

    Through tree sales and community planting events, the City is growing our urban forest. We also offer thousands of trees for purchase through our popular tree sales. Together, we’re protecting green spaces and helping build a greener, more vibrant Surrey for tomorrow.

    In 2024:

    • 25,334 trees were planted through the ReLeaf program
    • 7.4 acres of park land were added
    Learn more
  • Free waste drop off event

    Waste Diversion

    Waste reduction initiatives, including the large item pick-up program and free waste drop-offs, are making a positive impact. 2024 highlights include:

    • 72,000 metric tonnes of organics collected/diverted from landfill
    • 91,122 metric tonnes of waste diverted from landfill including a free drop off event and curbside collection
    • 60,000 large items collected through free large item pick-up program
    Learn more
  • Surrey Biofuel Facility

    Surrey Biofuel Facility

    Surrey’s Biofuel Facility processes kitchen and yard waste collected at curbside into renewable natural gas (RNG) and a nutrient rich compost that is used by local food growers.

    It produces enough RNG to fuel 45 waste collection vehicles annually, resulting in a closed-loop, net-zero carbon impact system.

    Learn more
  • A female individual in a reflective vest and gloves loading an old ornate cushion into a disposal bin during a community cleanup event.

    Clean Blitz

    The City is committed to keeping Surrey’s neighbourhoods clean, safe, and vibrant. Seasonal cleanups help enhance public spaces and foster community pride. 

    In 2024, 3,170 items and 2,627 bags of litter were removed from Surrey streets.
     

    Learn more

 

Parks & Recreation

We continually improve and invest in our parks and recreation facilities. They support well-being and economic development, and ensure Surrey is a great place to live, work, and play. 

Priority Registration for Surrey Residents

In 2024, we launched priority registration, making it easier for families to access recreational opportunities.
Learn more

 

Major City Events

The City’s world-class, award-winning events bring our community together to celebrate and create meaningful experiences. In 2024, 185,999 people attended three major events produced by the City, with an estimated economic impact of $12.5 million. These included:

 

What We Are Proud Of

Multilingual Communications Policy

brochures

Surrey City Council adopted the first-ever Multilingual Communications Policy in 2024 to enhance accessibility and serve the city’s diverse population.

The City also released its first translated media release and since September 25, 2024, we have translated 20 important and high-priority media releases into Punjabi.

22 Awards

In 2024, the City received recognition for excellence in workplace culture, sustainability, finance, festivals and more, including:

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