Home to the Games Preparation Centre, Surrey is British Columbia’s (BC’s) second largest and fastest-growing city. Increasing numbers of people from across Canada and around the world are discovering its unique strengths and features. Once considered a bedroom community of Vancouver, Surrey has been transformed into a complete, vibrant and self-reliant city that has much to offer its 400,000-plus citizens.

Bordered by the Fraser River to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the US border to the south and some of Canada’s most picturesque farmlands to the east, Surrey has something for everybody — from young families looking for a place to grow, entrepreneurs looking for new opportunities, or retirees seeking relief from hectic urban life.

Surrey can perhaps best be described as an innovative, international and forward-thinking community, one that is well connected to similar areas throughout the Pacific Rim. The city boasts a thriving economy across a range of new and traditional business sectors, thanks to a wealth of developable land, a skilled and diverse workforce and a business-friendly civic government. Surrey’s more recent planning and development activities have been grounded in long-term plans and a commitment to sustainability, making it one of Canada’s most desirable and increasingly popular cities to live. In short, Surrey offers the best of BC.

The city is increasingly becoming known for active living, thanks to its abundance of championship golf courses, approximately 12 kilometres of ocean shoreline, its parks and wildlife, hundreds of kilometres of bicycle and walking trails, and a vibrant arts scene.

Surrey also has a wide range of housing opportunities, including newer neighbourhoods constructed on 21st-century urban-planning principles. With a third of the city consisting of rich agricultural land, Surrey’s residents have the opportunity to contribute to sustainable-living practices and their own well-being through their ease of access to fresh, locally produced food.

The city also has one of the most progressive school boards in BC, as well as a number of colleges and a satellite campus of Simon Fraser University — one of Canada’s most prestigious universities. Surrey is also home to Kwantlen Polytechnic University, which has a traditional campus as well as a new technical centre located near the centre of Surrey.

Centrally located between Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, and with four SkyTrain stations within its boundaries, Surrey is well linked to Vancouver and all other communities in the Metro Vancouver. Surrey’s close proximity to the US border, sea ports and major airports provides additional advantages for people and businesses on the move.

Looking ahead, there can be no doubt that Surrey’s “liveability” features, combined with its many strengths, will ensure that the city lives up to its well-earned civic identity — The Future Lives Here.

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