Final outdoor movie night celebrates community and Focus Newton progress

Surrey, BC – This year’s new free outdoor movie night series in Newton was a success, bringing together community members for evenings filled with entertainment, engagement, and celebration. Last night, the final event wrapped up with an outdoor movie with popcorn and an engagement pop-up to share the latest updates on the Focus Newton Action Plan.

“It is wonderful to see our community come together to enjoy the new events and spaces we have introduced in Newton this summer,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “The Focus Newton Action Plan is not just about upgrading our infrastructure, it is also about creating a community that residents can be truly proud of. From improving safety and cleanliness to creating inviting public spaces, this plan embodies our commitment to strengthen community connections and enhance every aspect of life in Newton.”

Focus Newton Key Achievements:

• Vibrant and Green: Installation of new decorative lights on 128 Street and three new community tree planting events.
• Cleanliness and Safety: A spring cleanup blitz with 495 garbage bags of litter and 319 illegally dumped items collected, increased litter collection routes, more frequent cleanups at major parks, and 16 community park and natural area cleanup events.
• Public Space and Amenities: A pop-up plaza at 72 Avenue and 137 Street, four new picnic shelters at West Newton and Strawberry Hill Parks, and the installation of new benches at Panorama Village Park.
• Active Transportation: New crosswalks and curb enhancements at multiple locations.
• Programs and Events: Three new outdoor movie nights, Sounds of Summer concert, job fairs for international students, weekly family programming at Newton Recreation Centre, and a variety of community events at local parks and libraries.

Looking ahead, the Focus Newton Action Plan will continue to deliver exciting new projects throughout 2024, including enhanced entrances to the Serpentine Greenway, seasonal cleanup blitzes, additional picnic shelters, benches, and washrooms at various parks, new family Diwali events at the Newton Recreation Centre, and expanded trail networks.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the Focus Newton Action Plan by visiting the City’s website or subscribing to the eNewsletter at surrey.ca/focusnewton.