Council Fueling Local Economy and Creating Jobs

At last night’s Regular Council meeting, Surrey City Council approved four City Engineering Capital Contracts valued at $14M that will result in the creation of approximately 140 new jobs. Work will commence by the end of this month. These civic projects which will improve or update water, drainage, or sewer services to our residents and business. City Council also granted final approvals to five private projects that have a combined total construction value of $49M.

“With the uncertainties of COVID-19, the City of Surrey is doing its part to stimulate the local economy and create local jobs,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “That’s why Council has placed a priority on private projects that are deep in the development approval process. Our goal is to make sure they can quickly and efficiently move through the application and building process so they can get shovels in the ground and people to work as quickly as possible. Council is also moving ahead with Engineering Capital projects that upgrade or improve water, drainage and sewage services. Not only are these services of an essential nature to the City, their approval means that new well-paying construction jobs will be available in a time when many people are looking for meaningful work.”

In addition to the approvals made last night by Council, building and development activity from March 16 to April 3 have resulted in a total construction value of $133M. During this 3-week period, the City of Surrey issued 157 permits for a variety of projects including 168 single detached and multi-family (condos/townhouses/apartments) that have been added to Surrey’s housing stock.

“Clearly the numbers from the last 3 weeks show an unshaken confidence in investing and building in Surrey. I want to thank the development community for their unwavering commitment,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “In unprecedented times like this, it is crucial that Council is united in doing everything we can to shore up our local economy and provide opportunities for new work wherever appropriate. I want to thank all members of Council for their support on these projects and for fully recognizing the magnitude of the work that has to be done during these uncertain times.”

The Engineering Capital contract awards are comprised of:

• Upgrades to drainage pump station facilities that will improve the resilience of the agricultural floodplain

• 1,340m of watermain upgrades to deliver safe and fresh drinking water

• 2,537m sewer upgrades to move liquid waste

• 743m of drainage utilities upgrades to ensure safe conveyance of rainwater

• Installation of sidewalks to support safe access to schools and transit facilities

The private projects given final approval are:

• 15 Single Family Lots in the Sunnyside Neighborhood

  • Estimated Value of Construction: $3,925,000
     

• 6 Storey Modular Building containing 61 supportive Housing Units

  • Estimated Value of Construction: $8,163,000
     

• 127 Townhouse Units in Sunnyside

  • Phase 1 of a multiphase development.

  • Estimated Value of Construction: $31,750,000

  • 190 additional units are anticipated in future phases
     

• Industrial Warehouse Building (Bridgeview)

  • Estimated Value of Construction: $4,913,000
     

• Renovations to Existing Burger King Restaurant

  • Estimated Value of Construction: $280,000