Surrey/South Fraser Updates

[Spork]

Is that official? Are we calling it the Great Recession now?

[D-A-S-H]

:haha: I noticed that too. The building is also back up to 40 floors!

[josiebug]

http://www.surrey.ca/Living+in+Surrey/Parks+and+Recreation/Parks+and+Environment/Park+Planning+and+Development/Public+Meetings/Quibble+Creek+Greenway+Renovation.htm

[whalley13]

I couldn't get it opened, what do they have planned with the creek?

[sryboy]

Has anyone seen the new King George Boulevard signs? I thought they were going up after the Olympics but haven't seen any yet.

[metroXpress]

^ King George Hwy and all the other routes have a 12-month period to change to a new name as they still accept mail with the old address.


While these changes will take effect on January 31, 2010, Canada Post Corporation will continue to service mail addressed to the old/current street name for a 12 month period beyond this changeover date.


You are correct that the signs would be changed after the Olympics. Just wait a bit and find out. I've seen some University Dr. signs up already.

[metroXpress]

New City Hall design alternate [pics]

by Paul Hillsdon on March 29, 2010

Here’s a new, alternate City Hall design. This option separates City Hall from the adjacent office/commercial tower. The under construction library is at the southwest of City Hall. The other design option can be viewed at this link.

http://www.civicsurrey.com/2010/02/23/new-renderings-of-civic-centre-project-pics/



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2751/4467336671_12803a98bc.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/4468110920_89b3acef88.jpg

http://www.civicsurrey.com/2010/03/29/new-city-hall-design-alternate-pics/



===================================================

Older design pics:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4383891906_38f94e67f8.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4383891226_b7b29b1d9d.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4383893902_16c87efc31.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4383133015_f7f5a36a15.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4383133843_a270c2e398.jpg

[Whalleyboy]

the weird thing is with the new designs it was in the same booklet as the older one

[Whalleyboy]

^ King George Hwy and all the other routes have a 12-month period to change to a new name as they still accept mail with the old address.





You are correct that the signs would be changed after the Olympics. Just wait a bit and find out. I've seen some University Dr. signs up already.

everyone i've seen has been switch over i dont see any more west or east whalley ring roads anymore
i knew i should have taken the east whalley ring sign by my house before it was gone=P

[SpongeG]

when do the RES's start to get built? is there a start date?

that area needs some life

[officedweller]

Thanks.
That new City Hall looks pretty small.
Mind you, I didn't realize that in the old pic, only the overhanging part was the City hall.

[josiebug]

http://www.surrey.ca/NR/rdonlyres/77058BA6-78BA-47CA-A371-64BA41EC6B9C/54602/Draft_March18_SBRP_ManagementPlan_MEDRES_reduced.pdf

Management Plan online. Come to the open house and give your feedback!

Quibble Creek greenway renovations include trail renovation, signage, park improvements and more near 138A and 93A.

[metroXpress]

I am seeing a lot of KING GEORGE Hwy signs being replaced by KING GEORGE Blvd over the past month.

[invisibleairwaves]

They changed the street names on the buses' computers too...stops are being announced as "University Drive", etc...I was worried they wouldn't get around to doing that.

Oh, and I'm now seeing those new bus shelters pretty much all over town...except my neck of the woods, naturally.

[Spork]

They changed the street names on the buses' computers too...stops are being announced as "University Drive", etc...I was worried they wouldn't get around to doing that.

Oh, and I'm now seeing those new bus shelters pretty much all over town...except my neck of the woods, naturally.

Did you notice that some routes now also announce major destinations? I took the 321 down King George Highway Boulevard, and noticed that Surrey Memorial Hospital was announced in addition to the intersection/block.

[CoryHolmes]

Did you notice that some routes now also announce major destinations? I took the 321 down King George Highway Boulevard, and noticed that Surrey Memorial Hospital was announced in addition to the intersection/block.

The 640 to Ladner Exchange has been doing that for yonkers now. It started off as being nifty, now it's just annoying.

[VanCvl]

City of Surrey News Release:

City Experiencing Strong Economic Growth


May 4, 2010

Surrey – Economic activity has accelerated in Surrey during the first quarter and residential housing continues to drive growth, according to the first quarter results presented to Council last night.

In the first three months of 2010, the value of new construction in Surrey was more than double what it was during the same period last year. There was over $260 million worth of building permits issued in the first quarter, with over $215 million coming from the residential sector.

“We’re pleased to see new development accelerating in Surrey, and these numbers show that businesses and residents have confidence in our city,” says Mayor Dianne Watts. “Surrey has always been a great place to invest. When the recession hit, we took very proactive steps to strengthen our economy, and it’s paying off.”

In the first quarter of 2010, the City collected over $700,000 in planning application fees, compared to around $220,000 in the same quarter last year. Building permit revenue jumped to almost $2.5 million, up from around $1 million in the first three months of 2009.

The City expects activity levels to continue to increase in the first half of 2010, as interest rates remain low, and then taper off as interest rates increase and the HST takes effect.


http://www.surrey.ca/NR/exeres/E94D4AD3-8645-4B24-9410-7296728950B0,frameless.htm?NRMODE=Published

[tybuilding]

I see that there is a new development beside EVO at Gateway, 1 and 2 bedroom condos. Work is just getting underway at that site. I think it is called thebrookswood?

[Whalleyboy]

It was originally Evo 2 but now its been renamed to The Brookland

[Metro-One]

Wow, I see that new city hall design is quite bland. Surrey is quickly becoming the city of bold original plans, but simple plain execution.

I'm sorry, but so far it seems every vision and proposal that has come forth for Surrey so far has been severely downsized, altered or canceled.

Even sky towers, although nothing special, were near 150 meters, and even they have been most likely cancelled, and they were even sold out!

[josiebug]

http://www.surrey.ca/Living+in+Surrey/Parks+and+Recreation/Parks+and+Environment/Park+Planning+and+Development/Public+Meetings/Park+Naming+Contest+in+East+Clayton.htm

Help name the newest parks in East Clayton.

Prizes to be won. Be creative, be original.

Deadline June 11th.

Posters to be up in the parks/schols/papers/etc...soon.

[go_leafs_go02]

http://www.surrey.ca/Living+in+Surrey/Parks+and+Recreation/Parks+and+Environment/Park+Planning+and+Development/Public+Meetings/Park+Naming+Contest+in+East+Clayton.htm

Help name the newest parks in East Clayton.

Prizes to be won. Be creative, be original.

Deadline June 11th.

Posters to be up in the parks/schols/papers/etc...soon.

Interesting...

"Where's my parking spot?!?" Park

"Slow down on my streets!!!" Park.

[VanCvl]

I couldn't find if someone else has posted this, but it looks like there a new proposal for the site adjacent to the old Sky Towers.

In addition to the podium, the project consists of one high-rise residential tower and one mid-rise residential tower. The high-rise tower, 46 storeys in height, is located on the north side of the building and the site, adjacent to 100 Avenue. The mid-rise tower, 20 storeys in height, is located on the south side of the building, facing the internal east-west driveway that runs along the south side of the building The 46-storey tower will be a unique, oval shape that is oriented toward the green area along Quibble Creek, located to the southwest of the proposed building. The shorter tower will be a rhomboid shape with units, and most windows, facing east, west and south, and with a reduced number of windows facing north toward the taller tower.

The high-rise tower will be clad in crystal grey-coloured glass and silver-coloured window mullions. Slab edges will be clad in spandrel glass to give the building a continuous glass façade. Concrete slab and fins that project past the edge of building will be clad in silver-coloured metal panels, as will the underside of balcony projections.

http://surrey.ihostez.com/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=22791

[Whalleyboy]

I posted an image of it in the infinity tower thread.
but here it is
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/whalley_boy/new_tower-1.jpg
image is from my photobucket

[vanman]

The high-rise tower will be clad in crystal grey-coloured glass and silver-coloured window mullions. Slab edges will be clad in spandrel glass to give the building a continuous glass façade. Concrete slab and fins that project past the edge of building will be clad in silver-coloured metal panels, as will the underside of balcony projections.

Sounds alot like Infinity which is definitely not a good thing.

[tybuilding]

I posted an image of it in the infinity tower thread.
but here it is
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/whalley_boy/new_tower-1.jpg
image is from my photobucket


I read through the notes about the development. It looks like planning department supports it but any future ideas if this one will not go through it may not because of the hieght but they will allow it as it was proposed before the sky towers expired.

[VanCvl]

The rendering doesn't show the 20 floor tower though. From the description the window system will be a curtain wall similar to the central city and not a window wall system like infinity. I think it will look OK as long as the colour is appropriate.

It might look out of place though to have the tallest tower in the city at 40 floors on the outside of the future skyline.

[Whalleyboy]

i know what we should do to even it out build a giant tower observation thing at the corner of king George and 108

[jlousa]

I haven't postied much regarding Surrey lately as to be honest most of the current developments have been cancellations or placing the projects on indefinete hold. Today another project was placed on hold, Guildford towers. It was to be located at 14970-14975 101A Ave and 10160 149 St and was to be a 32 storey tower and a 27 storey tower. The official reason given is it's on hold until market conditions improve. Considering how robust the market has been lately it's not hopefully it's going to improve even more anytime soon.

[Whalleyboy]

So i just found out planet lazer is making a surrey location.
http://planetlazer.net/locations.html
Its on the bottom of the page it says coming soon. Has anyone heard anything about this?

[mr.A]

on fraser hwy. (my pic)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4607298951_cef3d3fd79.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1033/4607911160_0d00df74dc_b.jpg

[mr.A]

on 140th. and 92 Ave my photos
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1407/4607898610_2cbf4875ae.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1367/4607906866_d4777089b6_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1083/4607294215_dc3eddc72a.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4607291337_bf43b4cae3.jpg

[SpongeG]

its looking good

[VanCvl]

140th is going starting to look a lot different with the Conference Centre and new Outpatient Centre. This is going to add hundreds of new jobs to the area. It's on the edge of the City Centre but it will have a positive affect as more workers are brought into the area.

[josiebug]

http://www.surrey.ca/Living+in+Surrey/Parks+and+Recreation/Parks+and+Environment/Park+Planning+and+Development/Park+Design/Covered+Youth+Park+at+Chuck+Bailey+Recreation+Centre.htm

[invisibleairwaves]

So, a couple weeks ago, I noticed there was some big roadwork happening on 64th Ave. around 180th St., right where it narrows to two lanes. I thought to myself, "well, they must be widening that section; they can't possibly be dumb/cheap enough to completely redo the road surface and sidewalk without fixing that bottleneck".

Turns out underestimating City Hall's apathy towards Clayton is a really dumb idea. But hey, at least Whalley gets a new skate park...

[paradigm4]

So, a couple weeks ago, I noticed there was some big roadwork happening on 64th Ave. around 180th St., right where it narrows to two lanes. I thought to myself, "well, they must be widening that section; they can't possibly be dumb/cheap enough to completely redo the road surface and sidewalk without fixing that bottleneck".

Turns out underestimating City Hall's apathy towards Clayton is a really dumb idea. But hey, at least Whalley gets a new skate park...

Haha! Clayton itself has bigger road problems than a two-lane section of 64th. Driving down 72nd is horrid! Very sketchy at night.

People have been complaining about that intersection for years though and demanding any type of safer crossing. What they put in is good and will allow pedestrians and cars to get across rather than playing frogger with the traffic. According to the Engineering Dept's plans, that entire section of 64th will become four lanes within the next five years...

[CoryHolmes]

According to the Engineering Dept's plans, that entire section of 64th will become four lanes within the next five years...

Wanna take bets as to whether or not that actually happens? :)

[invisibleairwaves]

Haha! Clayton itself has bigger road problems than a two-lane section of 64th. Driving down 72nd is horrid! Very sketchy at night.

People have been complaining about that intersection for years though and demanding any type of safer crossing. What they put in is good and will allow pedestrians and cars to get across rather than playing frogger with the traffic. According to the Engineering Dept's plans, that entire section of 64th will become four lanes within the next five years...

Absolutely. And when you start to add up the too-narrow roads, the missing stoplights and sidewalks, and the lack of decent community facilities, and the fact that Clayton seems to be the only part of town that isn't getting the new bus shelters, it becomes obvious that City Hall just wants to milk this area for the taxes and permit fees so they can fund their grand City Centre gamble. If this continues, the only people who will want to live here are the same kind of people Surrey is trying to get rid of.

[go_leafs_go02]

Absolutely. And when you start to add up the too-narrow roads, the missing stoplights and sidewalks, and the lack of decent community facilities, and the fact that Clayton seems to be the only part of town that isn't getting the new bus shelters, it becomes obvious that City Hall just wants to milk this area for the taxes and permit fees so they can fund their grand City Centre gamble. If this continues, the only people who will want to live here are the same kind of people Surrey is trying to get rid of.

Clayton will be the next crime haven. give it 10 years when those homes aren't anything to write home about.

As for transit - there isn't any. Problem was. Even the existing C70 shuttle wasn't in place until major development was complete. therefore, moving there and relying on transit isn't effective at all, and therefore it has come a car-centric neighbourhood, and I feel like a problem down the road.

[paradigm4]

Clayton will be the next crime haven. give it 10 years when those homes aren't anything to write home about.

As for transit - there isn't any. Problem was. Even the existing C70 shuttle wasn't in place until major development was complete. therefore, moving there and relying on transit isn't effective at all, and therefore it has come a car-centric neighbourhood, and I feel like a problem down the road.

Talk to the Planning Dept and they simply rage about how Clayton is Surrey's most walkable neighbourhood! I suppose it's because there is more of a normalized street grid versus the typical cul-de-sac design of the past, and that there's the huge commercial complex on Fraser (which does cut down on trips that would have had to have gone to Langley to shop). However, I agree with you wholeheartedly - this is very much a car-centric neighbourhood. Really quite a shame the planners try to fool themselves into thinking it's sustainable.

[josiebug]

http://www.surrey.ca/NR/rdonlyres/B1993826-7D43-4F6F-9F55-E3C120D73923/55246/May7and14AdCityOfSurrey_Grandview_3x14_050711.pdf

Open House tonight!

[tybuilding]

Talk to the Planning Dept and they simply rage about how Clayton is Surrey's most walkable neighbourhood! I suppose it's because there is more of a normalized street grid versus the typical cul-de-sac design of the past, and that there's the huge commercial complex on Fraser (which does cut down on trips that would have had to have gone to Langley to shop). However, I agree with you wholeheartedly - this is very much a car-centric neighbourhood. Really quite a shame the planners try to fool themselves into thinking it's sustainable.

At least finally they are using a proper grid, the new areas of Clayton are walkable, just look at it with Google maps. The old areas unfortuntetly are not good, you have to walk blocks just to get to you nieghbours house behind you. I can't believe planners allowed this in the 80's and 90's. I learned about this in school in 1997-1999 having proper walking paths and connections.

[metroXpress]

Check out this:

Park Place at Central City by Concord Pacific


http://www.parkplaceatcentral.com/

Any idea if this is the site of the old SkyTowers?

[VanCvl]

The Park Place website is for the second and third Infinity towers. They have been renamed and rebranded by Concord. I'm surprised that they don't have the website fully functioning yet, cause that's been there for a few months.

[josiebug]

The first is for TE Scott Park at 148th and 70th.

http://www.surrey.ca/Living+in+Surrey/Parks+and+Recreation/Parks+and+Environment/Park+Planning+and+Development/Public+Meetings/TE+Scott+Elementary+Park.htm

The second is a second for Rosemary Heights Park at 34th and 155th.

http://www.surrey.ca/Living+in+Surrey/Parks+and+Recreation/Parks+and+Environment/Park+Planning+and+Development/Public+Meetings/Rosemary+Heights+Neighbourhood+Park.htm

[twoNeurons]

I'd say Clayton is halfway there.

There's little need for people to drive to get their groceries and basic things. There are parks and schools within walking distance, there is a major bus route along Fraser st. that connects to SkyTrain.

However, there's no work there... so it's very much about commuting.

I'd call it a compact satellite community that's halfway there. However, it's growing and its young.

[invisibleairwaves]

I'd say Clayton is halfway there.

There's little need for people to drive to get their groceries and basic things. There are parks and schools within walking distance, there is a major bus route along Fraser st. that connects to SkyTrain.

However, there's no work there... so it's very much about commuting.

I'd call it a compact satellite community that's halfway there. However, it's growing and its young.

The bus route is infrequent and overcrowded (and doesn't run nearly as late as it should), the parks are lifeless, the schools are way overcapacity (OK, that one's the province's fault, not Surrey's) and, as others have said, it's walkable but only in the newest parts of Clayton. As soon as you get out of there, the sidewalks disappear, intersections become major hazards, and crosswalks become scarce. It's been growing for a while now, and it's time City Hall paid some damned attention to it.

[paradigm4]

The bus route is infrequent and overcrowded (and doesn't run nearly as late as it should), the parks are lifeless, the schools are way overcapacity (OK, that one's the province's fault, not Surrey's) and, as others have said, it's walkable but only in the newest parts of Clayton. As soon as you get out of there, the sidewalks disappear, intersections become major hazards, and crosswalks become scarce. It's been growing for a while now, and it's time City Hall paid some damned attention to it.

Wow. Haha harsh words. What exactly do you want fixed?

[invisibleairwaves]

Wow. Haha harsh words. What exactly do you want fixed?

Road work, specifically widening and adding sidewalks on 64th and 72nd. Building the "promised" 192nd-Fraser Highway connector. Lights at 192nd/68th, 192nd/72nd, 192nd/80th, 192nd/88th, and a few other places that aren't coming to mind at the moment.

Community facilities, be it an indoor pool, rec centre, theatre, whatever...a decent gathering place for the community.

A fast and frequent express bus along the Fraser Highway corridor, and improved local service along other roads. And for crying out loud, can we actually get some bus shelters like the rest of the city?

Also: some stricter enforcement of the building codes, the quality of construction around here is abominable.


I'm not asking for anything the rest of Surrey doesn't already have (well, apart from the express bus, but that would service Fleetwood and Whalley too. And I would totally support express routes for Newton and South Surrey).

[paradigm4]

Road work, specifically widening and adding sidewalks on 64th and 72nd. Building the "promised" 192nd-Fraser Highway connector. Lights at 192nd/68th, 192nd/72nd, 192nd/80th, 192nd/88th, and a few other places that aren't coming to mind at the moment.

Community facilities, be it an indoor pool, rec centre, theatre, whatever...a decent gathering place for the community.

A fast and frequent express bus along the Fraser Highway corridor, and improved local service along other roads. And for crying out loud, can we actually get some bus shelters like the rest of the city?

Also: some stricter enforcement of the building codes, the quality of construction around here is abominable.


I'm not asking for anything the rest of Surrey doesn't already have (well, apart from the express bus, but that would service Fleetwood and Whalley too. And I would totally support express routes for Newton and South Surrey).

I find it interesting what the perspective of a Surreyite in the NCP areas is, so thanks. Seemingly a lot of frustration with unfinished infrastructure and ongoing construction basically, although, it is kind of what someone signs up for by moving into a completely new neighbourhood... I'm sure the new residents of South Surrey's Rosemary, Morgan, and Grandview Heights feel the same as you guys.

Can't say I feel too much pain for Clayton's lack of social services. That's a problem all over the City and perhaps acute in Cloverdale. We haven't even had a rec centre all these years, despite a population of close to 60,000 now. And Fraser Heights has one. Like wtf? I would die for an indoor pool I could actually access. The problem here is that the City believes in providing the bare minimum for Rec and Culture services, but that's the price you get for the "lowest taxes in the region" (as if it ever attracted good businesses in the first place!)

[usog]

Can't say I feel too much pain for Clayton's lack of social services. That's a problem all over the City and perhaps acute in Cloverdale. We haven't even had a rec centre all these years, despite a population of close to 60,000 now. And Fraser Heights has one. Like wtf?

Oi, Fraser Heights has had it pretty bad too. I'm probably aging myself but yeah I grew up there and it's been a pretty big clusterfk until lately. The underpass was 5 years late, the high school is at least 1/3rd portables by now, the bus service(C74) is chronically under-served until recently where it's gotten near capacity, etc etc. Oh and the rec center is a small gym and a few rooms. I must say the tennis courts are nice though. That and since Fraser Heights is practically an island, separated from the rest of surrey by highway one,the ripping up of highway one doesn't really help lol. It's getting better over time but still nothing to cheer about.

[GMasterAres]

You're all seeing problems related to size of city + growth - major tax increases. It's the unfortunate reality of the situation. When you have a large city growing quickly with very little revenue increases, it makes it very difficult to cover all bases.

Not to mention with the overall geographical size of Surrey and a finite period you can do infrastructure construction per year, it again makes it difficult to do all things. I don't like though when people seem to come on and say that they're the only ones hurting.

I'll give you two examples to shoot holes in that theory that Surrey has something against Clayton (or any other area) simply because of slow infrastructure improvements.

64th Avenue widening between KGH(KGB) and 144th Avenue. It took well over 2 years to complete. There were poles in the street for over a year.

72nd Avenue from 144th down to 152nd. It hasn't been paved in about well basically forever and in my car (low sports car) it feels like I'm driving over speed bumps and hopping around up and down that hill not to mention it's had to been widened for almost 5 years now.

So those are two stretches of major infrastructure in well serviced areas of Surrey that have also been slow to improve. Not to mention how long has it taken to even start completing the widening of 140th Street north of Bear Creek, or how about Fraser Highway's widening which is still far from complete in the heart of Surrey even though in Clayton specifically it's been done for a while now and they even finished the widening to Langley before sniffing at starting in Surrey Central, or 128th north of Highway 10 which finally after 2 years had the poles removed but has yet to be repaved or lines drawn up?

Basically what I'm saying is that while the complaints are certainly valid and I don't disagree that some areas like Clayton Heights does need work and some better planning in areas, there has to be some understanding as to the overall picture reality of the city. There also has to be an understanding that your area(s) aren't the only ones without issues.

Surrey could jack up taxes by 100% and still not have the money to do all the improvements in less than 5 years. Takes time, planning, money, and patience unfortunately.

I always love the argument "Cloverdale gets forgotten, we get nothing" when you look at some of the most major infrastructure changes in Surrey recently and they have directly been affecting Cloverdale (of which Clayton is a part) aka widening of Fraser Highway, 176th, and Highway 10 and yes granted some of that is provincially done not Surrey done. Meanwhile I trump down 72nd hill 1 lane getting stuck behind someone turning left for 5 minutes in rush hour wondering if my suspension will hold this time 'round.

Don't lose sight of reality. It's not as easy as it may seem and it's not just 1 area with issues that need fixes.

[paradigm4]

You're all seeing problems related to size of city + growth - major tax increases. It's the unfortunate reality of the situation. When you have a large city growing quickly with very little revenue increases, it makes it very difficult to cover all bases.

Not to mention with the overall geographical size of Surrey and a finite period you can do infrastructure construction per year, it again makes it difficult to do all things. I don't like though when people seem to come on and say that they're the only ones hurting.

I'll give you two examples to shoot holes in that theory that Surrey has something against Clayton (or any other area) simply because of slow infrastructure improvements.

64th Avenue widening between KGH(KGB) and 144th Avenue. It took well over 2 years to complete. There were poles in the street for over a year.

72nd Avenue from 144th down to 152nd. It hasn't been paved in about well basically forever and in my car (low sports car) it feels like I'm driving over speed bumps and hopping around up and down that hill not to mention it's had to been widened for almost 5 years now.

So those are two stretches of major infrastructure in well serviced areas of Surrey that have also been slow to improve. Not to mention how long has it taken to even start completing the widening of 140th Street north of Bear Creek, or how about Fraser Highway's widening which is still far from complete in the heart of Surrey even though in Clayton specifically it's been done for a while now and they even finished the widening to Langley before sniffing at starting in Surrey Central, or 128th north of Highway 10 which finally after 2 years had the poles removed but has yet to be repaved or lines drawn up?

Basically what I'm saying is that while the complaints are certainly valid and I don't disagree that some areas like Clayton Heights does need work and some better planning in areas, there has to be some understanding as to the overall picture reality of the city. There also has to be an understanding that your area(s) aren't the only ones without issues.

Surrey could jack up taxes by 100% and still not have the money to do all the improvements in less than 5 years. Takes time, planning, money, and patience unfortunately.

I always love the argument "Cloverdale gets forgotten, we get nothing" when you look at some of the most major infrastructure changes in Surrey recently and they have directly been affecting Cloverdale (of which Clayton is a part) aka widening of Fraser Highway, 176th, and Highway 10 and yes granted some of that is provincially done not Surrey done. Meanwhile I trump down 72nd hill 1 lane getting stuck behind someone turning left for 5 minutes in rush hour wondering if my suspension will hold this time 'round.

Don't lose sight of reality. It's not as easy as it may seem and it's not just 1 area with issues that need fixes.

Great summary, though an increase in taxes would certainly help solve some of these problems. I think it's a chronic conservatism embedded in the City Hall culture now that Surrey must remain the lowest taxed city in the region to have some form of competitive edge. I would argue that in fact low taxes does little to attract businesses, but rather the reputation and culture of a City does. Why is Surrey unique? What makes it an attractive place to start a business? Low taxes is not the unequivocal answer.

Sure Cloverdale has had some major road improvements, I'll give you that, but as I said before, it's *way* behind in the Parks and Rec realm. It, until recently, has been the only settled area in the City without a rec centre - keyword settled. It's not a new area by any means and the fact that it took this long to get one, while North and South Surrey have had theirs since the 60's, Newton since the 80's, and Fleetwood since the 90's. Guildford got two in the 00's, as well as a new one for North and South Surrey. So, yes, in this case, I do think Cloverdale was neglected, especially considering it's not a new area, and incorporates Clayton in it.

But you are absolutely correct in regards to the infrastructure deficit. It's roads and transport in some places, it's PRC in others. I certainly welcome the Build Surrey program but I don't think it's nearly enough.

Oh and yes that like three blocks two-lane stretch of 72nd along the hill is horrid. Massive potholes and right next to the major residential expansion.

[whiteshadow]

I'm actually just looking at buying a place in Clayton, currently live near Central City and hoping to move to a quieter neighbourhood. Clayton does seem a bit underserviced with major roads (i.e. 192nd and 72nd) but I'm sure that will come over time.

What I do like with the Clayton area is the roundabouts on 68th. These seem to be a much better idea for traffic flow vs traffic lights. I'm hoping that when Surrey does have the funds to widen the major roads in Clayton they continue with the roundabouts.

[go_leafs_go02]

I'm actually just looking at buying a place in Clayton, currently live near Central City and hoping to move to a quieter neighbourhood. Clayton does seem a bit underserviced with major roads (i.e. 192nd and 72nd) but I'm sure that will come over time.

What I do like with the Clayton area is the roundabouts on 68th. These seem to be a much better idea for traffic flow vs traffic lights. I'm hoping that when Surrey does have the funds to widen the major roads in Clayton they continue with the roundabouts.

I think part of the reason they don't widen the roads until later is because of the damage the construction vehicles cause to the roadway prior to being developed. I lived in Clayton last year, and there were no real congestion issues in that neighbourhood, the only problem was people living on 68 Avenue moved there before the road was connected to Langley, and therefore it was quiet until it was connected. However, it's classified as a collector road, so buyer-beware - they should have known about that before they purchased the house.

Transit sucks, unless you're within walking distance of Fraser Highway, the C70 shuttle runs somewhat decently, but it's a glorified school-bus.

I also know the 192 Street Diversion to Fraser Highway hasn't been built due to some property acquisition issues being present there as well.

All in due time. Personally I don't think 192 Street and 72 Avenue are too bad right now for local traffic accessing Clayton.

[SpongeG]

where is Clayton?

[go_leafs_go02]

where is Clayton?

Around north of Fraser Highway between about 184 & 196 Streets. A lot of new compact row housing built in the last 5 years.

Could call it North East Cloverdale if you wanted to.

[SpongeG]

where the extra foods etc is basically? i think i know than

[Vancouver_Highrise]

All those rec centres etc are 5minutes away in Langley.. Personally I think that whole area(Clayton) was poorly planned up to the border of Langley..

[paradigm4]

All those rec centres etc are 5minutes away in Langley.. Personally I think that whole area(Clayton) was poorly planned up to the border of Langley..

Today, yes, but it could easily be argued against. The Willowbrook Rec Centre was built as part of the relatively new Langley Township Hall on 64th, which is what, maybe five years old. And the Willoughby Rec Centre, part of the Langley Events Centre, along 200th, is maybe two years old. Before that, there wasn't a thing except Walnut Grove or Langley City.

It does bring up the question of whether municipalities should partner on services for residents who live on the border, like Clayton or Surdel...

[JMan]

Surrey Outpatient Hospital:

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/2252/phpruihckam.jpg (http://img404.imageshack.us/i/phpruihckam.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
(my photo)



http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9835/phpextsedam.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/i/phpextsedam.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
(my photo)



Surrey School District Conference Center:

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/4313/phpx3ce1tam.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/phpx3ce1tam.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
(my photo)



Clearing and site prep for RCMP E Division Compound:

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2029/phpef4mtcam.jpg (http://img175.imageshack.us/i/phpef4mtcam.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
(my photo)



I saw about 20 excavators and bulldozers on site so it looks like this will be moving ahead quickly.

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/4091/phpxlmrotam.jpg (http://img198.imageshack.us/i/phpxlmrotam.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
(my photo)



This site is absolutely massive! Too bad so much of it will be covered with surface parking lots.

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/4223/phpq8fil1am.jpg (http://img143.imageshack.us/i/phpq8fil1am.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
(my photo)



Clearing for Green Timbers Way:

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/6379/phph7238eam.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/phph7238eam.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
(my photo)

[Spork]

Great updates. Thanks JMan! We don't usually see many high quality updates from Surrey like these.

[josiebug]

http://www.surrey.ca/Living+in+Surrey/Parks+and+Recreation/Parks+and+Environment/Park+Planning+and+Development/Public+Meetings/New+Bike+Park+in+South+Newton.htm

Other events here!

http://www.surrey.ca/Living+in+Surrey/Parks+and+Recreation/Parks+and+Environment/Park+Planning+and+Development/Public+Meetings/default.htm

[jsbertram]

Am I the only one to notice the irony of clear-cutting a swath of trees to create a street called 'Green Timbers Way' ?

[BCPhil]

Am I the only one to notice the irony of clear-cutting a swath of trees to create a street called 'Green Timbers Way' ?

Yeah, sort of like building a Police Headquarters where it's members are supposed to fight crime, in the middle of a forest. Sure it's a central location, but couldn't they have torn down some bordellos, porn and pawn shops to build it instead cut down trees?

[jsbertram]

Yeah, sort of like building a Police Headquarters where it's members are supposed to fight crime, in the middle of a forest. Sure it's a central location, but couldn't they have torn down some bordellos, porn and pawn shops to build it instead cut down trees?

or spend $tens of millions$ building a new high-tech security complex in Richmond for the Olympics, only to close it afterwards & build something completely new in Surrey.

[go_leafs_go02]

Another shooting in Clayton. That's 2 in the last week, at least three in the last month or so, and 2 of them have been murders.

Doesn't bode well for that neighbourhood - that's for sure.

[Zassk]

or spend $tens of millions$ building a new high-tech security complex in Richmond for the Olympics, only to close it afterwards & build something completely new in Surrey.

Well, the Richmond RCMP are moving into that building, so it stayed "in the family".

[invisibleairwaves]

Another shooting in Clayton. That's 2 in the last week, at least three in the last month or so, and 2 of them have been murders.

Doesn't bode well for that neighbourhood - that's for sure.

Hopefully it's an aberration, like the rash of shootings in Walnut Grove last year. If not, though, the neighbourhood's going downhill a lot quicker than I expected...

[go_leafs_go02]

Hopefully it's an aberration, like the rash of shootings in Walnut Grove last year. If not, though, the neighbourhood's going downhill a lot quicker than I expected...

I lived there last year, and the only events that happened were two arson fires on unbuilt homes within a week and within 3 properties from another, and a few vehicle collisions on 68 Avenue. No major crimes where it was ever unsafe to be walking on the street. I had crappy cell-phone coverage in my basement suite, and walked all over the place while talking on the phone. Never would have thought any type of murder would ever take place there within the year. Still think that neighbourhood is going to be extremely dangerous and crappy within 10-15 years.

[invisibleairwaves]

NIMBYs? In MY Clayton?

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f141/invisibleairwaves/clayton.jpg

Okay, while I completely disagree with them and fail to see how 3-storey rowhomes are going to change the character of a neighbourhood full of 3-storey rowhomes, I have to say it's great to see residents start to stand up for the community here. We just need to steer clear of an anti-development mindset.

[cc85]

actually they are surrounded by single-family and multi-family two-storey homes. Classic NIMBYs

[invisibleairwaves]

actually they are surrounded by single-family and multi-family two-storey homes. Classic NIMBYs

There's some pretty dense row houses just one block up 188th, to say nothing of the lowrise condos on the other side of Fraser. And even the single-family lots are really crammed in there. I'm just not sure what they're trying to preserve here.

[twoNeurons]

Are they mad about the row houses or the 3-story mega church that the Baptist church is building? :D

[cc85]

They don't want to lose the open space, somehow they think they represent sane, critical thinking in opposing a move to denser development and that their residences somehow did not participate in the same trend.

[invisibleairwaves]

That open space is an eyesore in desperate need of a sidewalk. If it got sold to the city and turned into a real park, I'd be thrilled, but that isn't going to happen.

I should really go to that meeting. The NIMBYism thing needs to be nipped in the bud before City Hall starts cancelling much-needed projects because of it. Of course, if the complaints were really about the megachurch and not the development, I'd be tempted to join them :P

[SpongeG]

a new strip mall is going up on fraser hwy in fleetwood across from the IGA is... near the wendys... seems it will house a BOM and nothing else listed yet

[GMasterAres]

Fleetwood mall will also house a Fruiticana, Sharkey's Cuts for Kids, Dentist, and Starbucks.

http://matrix.cwcanada.com/filecabinet/Property/475531/15937%20Fraser%20Highway(1).pdf

Will close off the block a lot better than the empty lot that was there. They just need to start developing around the cell tower now.

[Whalleyboy]

City Hall unveiling June 29, breaking ground 2011
Posted on June 21, 2010 by Paul Hillsdon

One of the most significant public infrastructure investments in the City Centre is set to be unveiled next week. The Kasian-Moriyama designed City Hall building will be revealed to the public June 29th, with an event planned at 12 noon in the Grand Hall at SFU Surrey.

The new City Hall building, to be constructed along the north edge of City-owned property along 104 Ave between University Drive and City Parkway, will be about 180,000 sq. ft. It will include an adjoining civic plaza with a capacity of 5000 people. Construction will begin in early 2011 and is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2013. Initial plans include connection to the Library to form a district energy system.

It is estimated to cost $50 million, most of which will come from a loan with the Municipal Finance Authority. It is unknown whether the final design is the same L-shaped monolith that has been featured in City documents recently (included above).
from civicsurrey

[Whalleyboy]

on other news has anyone seen this
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/surreyleader/news/96899159.html
watts is apparently in the top 25 for being one of the words best mayors

go watts!

[idunno]

Go Watts! I wonder what the final design will be. Stoked!

[WaxItYourself]

So I talked to the owner of the Gamestore in Central City Mall. All the little stores in the hall where his gamestore previously existed before he moved are moving out of that hall. Most of them are moving across from Bed,Bath and Beyond and along that hall. The reason for them doing this is they are going to close off that entire middle hallway and build a large store where all the other stores existed previously. Though they do not know exactly what store it is going to be as there aren't any buyers yet.

And next to Bed,Bath and Beyond, where the label wallpaper use to be, there is an actual store name there now. Target is going to be moving in there.

[SpongeG]

a real Target (http://www.target.com/)? or just a store stealing their name?

eidt: from what i read a store called Target is opening all over Canada but not related to the American Target... nanaimo and sudbury are getting them as well - i imagine it to be like giant tiger or fields - we'll have to see when it opens

[WaxItYourself]

a real Target (http://www.target.com/)? or just a store stealing their name?

I don't know. I didn't get that bit of information from the gamestore owner. I just saw the sign on the storefront. I think the location is much to small to be a large target store though there are rumours that target could be headed to Canada in the near future. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I don't think it's the big US chain actually.

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/06/30/target-venturing-north-of-the-border/

[SpongeG]

ah Les Ailes De La Mode Inc. operates a store called Target - Les Ailes De La Mode Inc. is owned by fairweather group - so probably another cheap clothing store

One wrinkle standing in Target's way, at least legally, could be getting the rights to its corporate name in Canada. Isaac Benitah, owner of Toronto-based I.N.C. Group, which operates chains such as Fairweather, Randy River, Les Ailes de la Mode and International Clothiers, owns the rights to the Target name and operates a handful of apparel stores in Ontario under the banner.

http://newsfeed.huydang.com/2010/06/target-chic-heading-to-canada-maybe.html

[hollywoodnorth]

http://www.canada.com/Target+cheap+chic+head+Canada/3217712/story.html

[SpongeG]

was out at guildford today - wow what a mess so much going on - glad to see it on the way - i suggest though avoid the area if you go there by car its painful

[Whalleyboy]

I just hope they fix the parking in time for christmas or it gonna be freaky

[tybuilding]

Looks like there is a new low rise condo on Fraser Highway at 138 Street. It is called the Hub on Fraser. http://thehubonfraser.com/

[tybuilding]

Fusion Fest it this weekend at Holland Park in Surrey. Vallet bike parking will be available.

http://www.fusionfestival.surrey.ca/default.htm

[BCPhil]

Fusion Fest it this weekend at Holland Park in Surrey. Vallet bike parking will be available.

http://www.fusionfestival.surrey.ca/default.htm

How much do you tip someone to ride your bike for you?

[whalley13]

Fusion Fest was awesome...third time going, it starting to become a bit more established...more happy people, i noticed less of the wariness that i noticed the first year.....be nice to have a couple other major festivals there like a radio show....

[SpongeG]

whats a radio show?

[tybuilding]

How much do you tip someone to ride your bike for you?

Nothing we did it all for free, had maps to give away. Only thing we were hoping for was for people to sign up for the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition http://www.vacc.bc.ca/ and to comment on the cycling infrastructure in Surrey.

Fusion Fest was awesome, it was busy, Grapes of Wrath rocked out the stage and there was more food stands than last year.

[metroXpress]

^ I agree...loved it!

[Whalleyboy]

Fusion Fest was awesome...third time going, it starting to become a bit more established...more happy people, i noticed less of the wariness that i noticed the first year.....be nice to have a couple other major festivals there like a radio show....

i am really hoping next year they bring in some more European countries

[metroXpress]

Surrey Public Library unveils new logo!!

http://www.civicsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/38647_447511989433_284980779433_6011567_3390746_n-500x389.jpg

The Surrey Public Library has unveiled its brand new logo exclusively via Twitter and Facebook. With the tagline “discover – connect – inspire”, the new logo features a row of stylized books that are intended to echo the design of high rise towers. A pathway below is designed to represent learning and discovery. The colour scheme incorporates the currently-popular “blues and greens”, similar to the City of Vancouver, the 2010 Olympics, and the Canucks. Additionally, the logo foreshadows a probable renaming of the public organization to the more modern and simple “Surrey Libraries”. The tagline itself is symbolic of the shifting mission of the library from simply a book repository to a community learning space.

Perhaps most unique however is how the new logo was released to the public. While it is noted the logo will be “gradually phased-in” and officially launched in September with a website re-design, the Library deliberately presented the design through a soft launch via its social network services. It goes to show just how eager the Library is to fully embrace social media, highlighted in a recent article on Civic Surrey, giving additional credence to their new broadened philosophy.

Here’s the Library’s official note as presented on Facebook:

Surrey Public Library unveils new image Discover, Connect, Inspire. This simple, yet elegant phrase represents the new reality of Surrey’s public library. It is a place to discover new technologies, connect people and ideas and inspire creativity.This new vision coincides with the exciting development of the City’s newest library designed by renowned architect Bing Thom. As a result, a new brand image has been commissioned and designed by the local, award-winning agency thornleyHAYNE Creative Communications.The new logo graphically represents a stylized series of books placed on end to mirror the look of buildings, incorporating a gentle curve shape that inspires the feeling of a pathway to learning and discovery of the library. Fresh bright blues and greens not only complement the city’s existing brand but complement the blending of nature and progressive design elements.The new logo will be gradually phased in, and officially launched when we launch our new website in mid – September.

Civic Surrey (http://www.civicsurrey.com/2010/07/29/surrey-public-library-unveils-new-logo/)

[Whalleyboy]

Surrey – Economic activity accelerated in Surrey during the first half of 2010 and residential housing continues to drive growth, according to the second quarter results presented to Council this week.

In the first six months of 2010, the value of new construction in Surrey jumped to over $610 million, with over $451 million coming from the residential sector. At this point last year, new construction value was at $285 million. There has been close to $6 million worth of building permits issued so far in 2010, compared to over $3 million during the same period last year.

“For two years in a row, Surrey has been ranked the best place in B.C. to invest and this year it ranked fourth on the list of top Canadian investment cities,” says Mayor Dianne Watts. “The City continues to move forward on a number of exciting projects and we are committed to balancing growth with sustainability as we implement our vision for Surrey.”

In the first half of 2010, the City collected over $1 million in planning application fees, more than double what was collected in the same quarters last year.

The City expects activity levels to taper off during the remainder of 2010 because of the HST and interest rate increases.
http://www.surrey.ca/NR/exeres/533CE979-86F5-412B-8D1B-76C8378815CD,frameless.htm?NRMODE=Published

Surrey
As the second largest city in British Columbia, Surrey has already experienced tremendous
growth. As the fastest growing city in Canada, Surrey is predicted to take Vancouver’s place
as the largest city in Canada in upcoming years. With two border crossings to the United
States, links to five major highways, deep sea docks, and four railways, it’s easy to see why. Surrey is a
prime location to do business, with access to local, national, and international markets.

When reviewing Surrey’s economic fundamentals, we see an area going through a positive transition.
Others have taken notice as well, as we see an increase in population and business opportunities. Surrey
has experienced tremendous growth and the trend looks to continue for many years to come.
There are many renters in the region, providing potential landlords with the ability to provide safe,
quality housing to a growing rental population. This is why it is important to examine this city on a
micro level and take the neighbourhood’s and even the street’s characteristics into consideration when
deciding where to purchase.
http://www.realestateinvestingincanada.com/media/Top-Canadian-Investment-Cities-Executive-Summary-Media-Release.pdf
i pretty sure they mean to over take Vancouver as most largest city in BC not Canada lol

[Whalleyboy]

oh and if no ones seen central mall lately there has been a bit of a change there. The old hall way that was right in front of the farmers market is no more. It is now blocked off and being prepared for something big.