Take a Groovy Look at Surrey in the ‘70s

Surrey, BC – Recent digitization efforts by the Surrey Archives have unearthed thousands of new items showcasing many of Surrey’s significant events and developments from the 1970s. Experience these photographs, films, oral histories, and more during the Surrey Archives' upcoming free virtual talk 'Surrey in the '70s' on March 10 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

"We are thrilled for the opportunity to showcase our recently digitized collections to the public, which include film footage along Surrey’s roadways," said Archivist Chelsea Christensen. "Included among the ‘never-seen-before’ raw footage are street scenes featuring the Ted Kuhn Tower, K-Mart, McDonald’s, and Surrey Place Mall along Whalley’s busy stretch of King George Highway."

Urban development was a major theme in Surrey during the 1970s. Extensive planning and development reshaped many communities to include more housing, amenities, and commercial centres. 

“By the 1970s, many projects came to fruition and dramatically changed Surrey’s landscape,” said Christensen.

They included, but were not limited to, the expansion of Guildford Town Centre, creation of Holland Park, and the establishment of many new schools.

The talk also highlights photographs documenting activities at Surrey Arts Centre and local libraries, which offered programs focusing on intercultural themes during the 1970s.

Over 81,000 archival images can be browsed on the Archives’ online catalogue. For more information, or to register for this talk call 604-501-5100 or surrey.ca/archives. Follow us on Facebook at @HeritageSurreyBC.