Surrey Council approves rental homes to be built on City owned land
At the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Surrey City Council approved the use of City owned land for a purpose-built rental housing development that will add an estimated 350 new rental homes in Surrey.
Surrey, BC – At the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Surrey City Council approved the use of City owned land for a purpose-built rental housing development that will add an estimated 350 new rental homes in Surrey. A minimum of 20% of the new units will be rented at below market rates. Located at 10975 126A Street, the 2.9-acre site is in the South Westminster Neighbourhood and near the Scott Road SkyTrain Station.
“Council is taking action on the shortage of affordable housing by approving the use of City owned land to help facilitate the creation of more rental homes in Surrey,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “A key factor in choosing this site is its proximity to rapid transit and the North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex. When completed, these new units planned for this development will significantly change the landscape of housing options in Surrey.”
It is envisioned the development would consist of six-story wood structures, similar to other housing in the area. The project is part of the Surrey Affordable Rental Housing Strategy that aims to preserve and expand rentals and increase affordable housing for low to moderate income renters.
“This is a strategic opportunity for the City to address our pressing housing needs through a well-planned rental development on City land,” said Rob Costanzo, City Manager. “With Council’s endorsement, staff will now begin the procurement process to secure a development partner who will design, build, and operate these homes. Our intention is to start construction in 2027, with completion slated for 2029. By aligning this project with both the needs of our community and rapid transit access, we can provide more affordable, modern options for Surrey residents.”
While the City has taken many meaningful actions to facilitate the development of rental housing by the private sector on private property, the City has also been facilitating the creation of rental housing on other City owned lands. Currently, the City’s wholly owned development corporation, Surrey City Development Corporation, has submitted a development application for the creation of 1,800 dwelling units in a multi-phased project on City owned lands.
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