19310 Fraser Highway & 6312 192nd Street
Lately I’ve had plenty of time to think on the past, as my dad’s home was in the Valley, and there’s no way to get there without driving for hours on the road every day. I’ve always hated those commutes, and I’ll never understand why my parents insisted we take the Fraser Highway into “The City” rather than the Trans-Canada. It might be too late for me, but this development will ensure future generations won’t face that burden any longer.

It’s hard to think of a better place for 650 new family-orientated homes, as this 6.8 hectare site near the intersection of the Fraser Highway and 192nd Avenue will sit between two future Skytrain Stations. More than that, it’s surrounded by schools, plenty of green space, and in what would have been important to me as a child, Willow Video. Yet the children of tomorrow will live in a different world, and Surrey is leading our region into that future.

It’s easy to imagine this will be the first of many online information events, as not only do they allow for physical distancing, they’re also easier to attend then the usual random venue. This one even had three live Q&A sessions, but there’s a danger people might overlook information too. At first glance, it seems this proposal eliminates far too much green space, but in reality it will preserve nearly 10-acres, roughly double what’s required under the proposed multi-family zoning.

The community plan may envision new growth along transit corridors, but some were overwhelmed that so many new people could call this area home. Others expressed concern that the community’s safety (pg 5), like their property value (pg 2), could be diminished, or that a “60-floor tower might be lurking around the corner.” (pg 2) To address this, the applicant has opted to sell 1.7 acres of their property to the surrounding strata townhome complexes for $1 so they can preserve their green hedge buffer.

In contrast were the parents who were eager to learn when these pet-friendly family homes would be finished (pg 5). Their children will have plenty to do, as a 20,000 sqft amenity building will provide roughly 40 spaces of daycare (pg 3), a billiard room, craft space, theatre, yoga room and common rooftop patio. While the City of Surrey will work to secure new school spaces for the expected ~80 children (pg 2), one person was more worried these kids would make too much noise (pg 5)

That question will likely be resolved in Phase 1, as it will provide all of these amenities, retail space, and 55 family-sized townhomes in 11 buildings south of Fairway Drive. Currently that route will provide the only access to this section, but negotiations with the Greenside Estates strata may eventually lead to a connection to Greenside Drive (pg 2). Some aspects of this plan are still to be decided, which brings us to phase 2.

This area, located north of Fairway Drive, is expected to primarily be served by 192 Street, and will be comprised of seven buildings between four – five floors tall, offering another 595 homes. In total, this will generate roughly $600,000 to Surrey’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund (pg 6), but there will be more than just strata homes here. To address our region’s shortage of rental homes, 10% of the site will be secured as rental housing, and there won’t be any displacement either.

Even the waterfowl will remain, as both stormwater ponds, and their connecting bioswale will be retained. Nonetheless, one land owner appears ready to leave, as they questioned why the developer didn’t include two adjacent sites. That decision was guided by Surrey’s transportation, fire, and safety departments, who oppose any direct connection to the Fraser Highway. Of course, public input can influence many things, so make sure to view the project’s website and send your thoughts to openhouse@brookpooni.com on or before May 21st 2020.

You can view more photos, and several videos, on the open house website, or see the ones we spotlighted on our Instragram here.