Surrey

Population of approximately 395,000 (2006)

Today, Surrey is the fastest growing community in British Columbia, with its still lush farmlands, spacious parks, superb shopping, entertainment, quality housing and neighbourhoods.

Surrey consists perdominantly of detached single dwelling units. Townhouses, condominiums, executive homes and apartments are also available.

"The City of Parks". Surrey boasts a relaxed lifestyle; residential and city living combined with open country space. Located at the crossroads of the Pacific Rim, Greater Vancouver and the United States, Surrey is accessible to all major cities in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The recent addition of the Skytrain rapid transit line means Vancouver is less than 35 minutes away via public transit.

Surrey is traversed to five major highways, four railways, deep-sea docking facilities and an international airport. The Canada/U.S. border puts city centre businesses within easy access of local, national and world markets. As one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, Surrey city centre has been touted as the Lower Mainland's downtown for the Fraser Valley.

With 301.76 square km, Surrey is also the largest city in BC's Lower Mainland, second largest in population. The City of Surrey is encouraging developers and builders to utilize its available non-agricultural land for business and industrial purposes and has streamlined development approval to maintain a high level of service to business. The 900 plus businesses which locate to Surrey each year also have access to a large consumer market as well as a talented and diversified labour pool capable of supporting a wide range of business needs.

As 'City of Parks', Surrey has more than 400 parks encompassing over 3,000 acres, many of which are in their natural state. These include ocean parks, urban forests, youth parks and quiet gardens. In addition to the parks, cultural, recreation and leisure facilities, Surrey's residents also have access to all of the amenities located in neighbouring communities of Burnaby, Richmond, Langley, Delta, White Rock and Vancouver within a 25 mile radius.

There are five community recreation offices located throughout Surrey providing services and recreational activities which highlight the arts, culture and sports. In addition to the 5,000 registered programs per year which involve approximately 2.1 million participants, Surrey operates:

7 ice arenas

3 indoor pools, one of which is a wave pool

3 seniors' centres

3 youth centres

Canada's first youth park

a 402 seat theatre and an art gallery

a 14,000 sq. ft museum and archives centre

a historic farm, weaving centre and a historic pole barn

three cemeteries

Ward's Public Marina within Elgin Heritage Park

7 libraries

Other privately owned recreational facilities include: Curling, roller-skating rink, 11 golf courses and driving ranges, 5 bowling facilities, 1 drive-in movie theatre and 6 movie theatres (including 2 brand new 'Super Cinemas').

For more information on Surrey, the Economic Development Office promotes business development and job creation in the City of Surrey by attracting new business, supporting businesses in their expansion or relocation to Surrey and providing information on Surrey's economic and business climate.

The office also provides information on location, zoning, industrial land development, building permits for commercial and industrial developments, export information.
Economic Development Office:
Phone (604) 591-4128
Fax: (604) 594-3055 or
email us at econdev@city.surrey.bc.ca

Related Links:
City of Surrey

Real Estate Agents working in Surrey