Heritage is what we inherit from the past, value in the present and plan to preserve for the future. Our historic roots stem from the influence of First Nations people, settlers that logged the lands, farmed the fertile soils, and established communities. As a result, Surrey is rich and unique in the diversity and variety of our built surroundings, cultural antecedents, natural environment, pastoral landscapes and many traditions.
Efforts to conserve our heritage through City initiative extend to the 1970's when the first heritage site the 1865 Semiahmoo Trail was designated by Council, the Heritage Advisory Commission (then a Committee) came into being in 1986, the Surrey Heritage Register came into existence in 1997 and the City established its Heritage Management Plan in 2000.