Surrey invests Canada Community-Building Funding to enhance parks and sidewalks

Surrey, BC – The City of Surrey has made a number of community infrastructure and quality of life improvements with the support of the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF). The projects include new lighting and a new field at Tamanawis Park as well as pedestrian safety and traffic calming improvements.

“Community infrastructure is key to shaping the places we call home,” said Sukh Dhaliwal, Member of Parliament for Surrey – Newton, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “With the support of the Canada Community-Building Fund, Surrey’s parks and sidewalks are evolving to meet the needs of its residents – whether it’s providing a safer path to school or a welcoming green space for families to gather. This is how we build more inclusive accessible communities, that are designed with the well-being of all residents in mind.”

“For the past decade the Canada Community-Building Fund has helped finance over $17 million in community infrastructure projects in Surrey,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “The $1.9 million from the CCBF this year were put to use in enhancing parks, sidewalks, and public spaces. On behalf of Council, I would like to thank the federal government for their support in funding community infrastructure projects that directly benefit Surrey residents.”

In 2024, the City of Surrey utilized $1.99 million in CCBF funding to support the following projects:

• Lighting improvements and new field at Tamanawis Park: Project is underway. Anticipated project completion of Fall 2025. Completion of field lighting and construction of a new third field.
• Sidewalk improvements on 14 Avenue from 161B Street to King George Boulevard: Project is underway. Anticipated project completion of Fall 2024. Project provided connections to and from South Meridian Elementary School.
• Sidewalk improvements on 20 Avenue from 164 to 165 Streets: Project is underway. Anticipated completion Fall 2024. Project provided connections to and from Ta’Talu Elementary School.
• Sidewalk improvements on 82 Avenue from 161 to 162A Street: Project is underway. Anticipated completion Fall 2024. Project provided traffic calming for Walnut Road Elementary School.
• Curb Bulge and Letdowns at 2B Avenue 172 Street: Project is underway. Anticipated completion Winter 2024. Project provided connections and traffic calming to Douglas Elementary School.

In 2023, the Engineering Department allocated funds to the annual Minor Civil Works program, the locations were selected based on high demand crossing areas in local communities that are close to amenities such as parks or schools. The scope of work included building sidewalk connections, curb bulges, letdowns and crosswalks and the project have all been completed.

The Parks, Recreation & Culture Department allocated the 2023 CWF to support the construction of the Bear Creek Park Stadium, which has a grandstand with permanent seating for 2,200 people, new changing rooms and washrooms, all surrounding a soon-to-be upgraded athletics track to international sport standards.

Administered by the Union of BC Municipalities, the CCBF provides up-front, predictable long-term funding to help address local infrastructure priorities.