Development | Metro604

Look into the future of Downtown Surrey

February 13, 2013 | Paul Hillsdon

Here’s a series of renders from various projects underway or planned for the Downtown area. Alone, they don’t warrant their own post, so here they are as a collection or virtual tour. Enjoy!

Revised-design Bosa Towers, northeast University Drive and … Read More

March Event: Imagine Surrey

February 12, 2013 | Paul Hillsdon

The Surrey Libraries is hosting a free afternoon forum on the future of the City. The event, Imagine Surrey: Urban Planning for our New Downtown, will feature presentations by Gordon Price, Director of SFU’s City Program, Jim Cox, CEO of … Read More

3 Civic Plaza drops all amenities for more units

February 1, 2013 | Paul Hillsdon

3 Civic Plaza, the much touted mixed-use high rise that will be built on the doorstep of the new City Hall, is receiving some major revisions.

The original proposal from last summer featured a 26 storey hotel tower, accompanied by … Read More

Casinos should be sited in town centres: Thoughts on cancelled South Surrey casino

January 31, 2013 | Nathan Pachal

When I first saw the application for the now-cancelled “South Surrey Entertainment Complex” aka casino, all I noticed was a building whose footprint was half the size of its surrounding parking facilities, out in the middle of nowhere. It had … Read More

Report: Ending sprawl only way to reduce emissions

January 29, 2013 | Paul Hillsdon

Climate change research underway at City Hall has discovered that Surrey must radically shift its growth patterns to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Data collected by HB Lanarc, as part of the EnergyShift community emissions reduction plan, shows that current patterns of growth will actually increase total emissions by 4% by 2040. This assumes significant growth in the City Centre and greenfields (NCP areas), more bus service, modest improvements in walking and cycling, building code improvements, modest retrofits, and a waste-to-energy system.

Two alternative scenarios were created to calculate emissions reductions with a shift in policies. Scenario 1, the modest option, focuses growth in the City Centre and Town Centres, transit corridors, greenfields, and infill, along with modest rapid transit, modest district energy, and increased waste reduction. Scenario 2 features focused growth in the City and Town Centres, transit corridors, and only the currently-approved NCPs, with an emphasis on multi-family development. Under Scenario 2, the City implements significant rapid transit and active transportation infrastructure, significant district energy systems, incentives and stronger standards on building efficiency, and a significant increase in waste diversion.

The Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society: an update on progress

January 26, 2013 | Kenneth Souder

Since my previous post last August regarding the move of Interurban cars 1225 and 1304, the FVHRS have continued to work tirelessly, preparing for the launch of their weekend tourist tram service between the Cloverdale and Sullivan stations. Major parts … Read More