Surrey, B.C. — The City of Surrey says it has made significant headway 18 months into its Housing Action Plan, implementing 30+ process improvements and issuing permits for over 9,500 net new housing units. Efforts have focused on cutting timelines, streamlining approvals, and updating bylaws and policies.
What’s next (coming to Council in the remaining months):
- Update policies for application scope and requirements.
- Expand use of qualified professionals and reduce select City reviews (e.g., geotechnical).
- Create new zones for six-storey mid-rise, mixed-use, and townhouses.
- Launch pre-approved plans, including for accessory dwelling units.
- Update the OCP to embed “15-minute neighbourhood” policies.
Mayor Brenda Locke said Surrey has exceeded provincial housing targets and is “delivering on our commitment to increasing the housing supply.” MP Randeep Sarai, on behalf of Minister Gregor Robertson, praised Surrey for cutting red tape and fast-tracking homes.
Surrey received $96.5M from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund on Dec. 4, 2023, with an additional $5.1M approved this year, supporting a now nine-initiative plan.