A new pedestrian overpass crossing Hwy 99 in South Surrey is now under construction. The $2.4 million project is expected to be complete by December. Funding for the project is being split three ways between the City, the Province, and the Federal Government. The overpass is part of the Pioneer Greenway, a separated multi-use pathway that will eventually connect South Surrey to the Peace Arch border crossing. It will also facilitate the connection of Grandview Heights to the Semiahmoo Trail and to a planned, long term seawall that will continue along the shores of the Semiahmoo Peninsula. The arch design was chosen over the stress ribbon concept, which evoked a suspension bridge look.
Recent Comments
Categories
- City Hall (64)
- Development (150)
- Environment (28)
- Events (26)
- Healthcare (10)
- Library (13)
- Parks and Rec (66)
- Post-Secondary Institutions (2)
- School Board (7)
- Social Services (50)
- Town Centre (190)
- Cloverdale (39)
- Fleetwood (9)
- Guildford (27)
- Newton (29)
- South Surrey (31)
- Whalley (115)
- Transport (53)
Search
















One of the most significant public infrastructure investments in the City Centre is set to be unveiled next week. The Kasian-Moriyama designed City Hall building will be revealed to the public June 29th, with an event planned at 12 noon in the Grand Hall at SFU Surrey.



Watts chats with The Province
Has Watts looked into options for Surrey to leave TransLink? It sounds like it.
While it is known that Watts and Robertson operate on opposite sides of the political spectrum, and have previously butt heads on several issues, it is interesting to hear that they do not work together as closely as one might hope.
Watts had previously denied jumping into provincial politics, but as far as I know, this is her first official announcement of her intentions to run for the mayoralty next year, although it is hardly surprising.
Vancouver animosity has grown within the suburbs in recent years, especially within the Tri-Cities and the South of Fraser. It is obvious that a new regional relationship and balance between the core and the burbs will have to be developed within the next few years to ensure that the Metro remains competitive on the global stage. Unfortunately, based on Watts’ comments with regards to Vancouver Mayor Robertson, it does not seem as if Surrey is prepared to take the lead in shaping that regional future.
Although it may be “the biggest issue,” Watts had little details to provide the live chat. Of the 17 questions posed, 4 were on transportation. Her responses to each were vague and sometimes contradictory:
Her response underlines Watts’ philosophy of partnerships. Rather than approach the transport deficiencies with a public outcry of dissent, she continues to prefer a cooperative and conciliatory method behind closed doors. While that approach has resulted in the expansion of some bus routes, with TransLink’s current budget woes, it is unlikely that Surrey will receive any further improvements in the near future without new funding agreements to ensure the City receives its fair share.
Apparently, the only solid effort being made to improve transport is the work of rail supporters in the south Fraser. Unfortunately for the lobbyists, their work does not seem to have translated into political support. As you’ll see below, Watts no longer believes that Light Rail is the best option for the City.
This was a common line by former Minister of Transport, Kevin Falcon, used to explain why he did not support the Interurban line. Overall though, it is a weak argument, as transport corridors, whether they are roads or rails, will undoubtedly travel through non-developable areas. This is even more of an issue in the south Fraser, as it is the location of most of the region’s agricultural land. These constrictions have not stopped us from building roads through these green zones however – why should rail transit be any different?
You can read the rest of the live chat archive over at The Province online.