Home > Surrey, British Columbia

Incorporated in 1879, Surrey has a rich history of diverse ethnic backgrounds that have come together to make Surrey one of British Columbia's most unique communities. When Englishman H.J. Brewer looked across the Fraser River from New Westminster and saw a land as lovely as his native County of Surrey in England, the modern city of Surrey was born. Comprised of forests of Douglas-fir, fir, redcedar and hemlock, and basically untouched, the tone of Surrey's future as the City of Parks was set. Logging began, settlement took place, and Surrey started to take shape. As you drive throughout the City, take notice of the heritage markers bearing the names of the early settlers to the area such as Johnston Road, Sullivan Station and Hjorth Road to name a few.

Six town centres make up Surrey: Fleetwood, Whalley, Guildford, Newton, Cloverdale, and South Surrey. Each has its own distinct features and attributes. Approximately 800 people each month move to Surrey. Currently the second largest city in British Columbia, its rapidly expanding population means it will surpass the City of Vancouver's current population within 20 years.

Transportation overall has played a major role in the development of Surrey. The first regular ferry service across the Fraser River was started in 1882 on the steam ferry "K de K" with the point of departure at Brownsville. The Canadian National Railway, Burlington Northern Railway, and Southern Rail of BC rail systems are still active and stretch across Surrey to eastern provinces and southward into the United States. Surrey Fraser Docks, service many deep sea vessels, transporting cargo from around the world, and is considered BC's largest and most active terminal. Public transport connects Surrey's centres to each other as well as to other Lower Mainland cities and municipalities. Skytrain has four stations within Surrey, and reaches Vancouver within 35 minutes.

Also known as the City of Parks, Surrey has over 5,400 acres (22 km²) of passive and active parks, 15 golf courses and driving ranges, including the Northview Golf & Country Club, home to the former Air Canada Championship.

As fast as Surrey is growing, it has also maintained its connection to its roots with approximately 35% of the land designated as agricultural and still being actively farmed today. Add to that the 5,400 acres (22 km²) of park and green space and you've got a city that's livable and healthy. Surrey offers its residents many recreational facilities and amenities centres. There are two major rivers that run through Surrey, the Nickomekl and Serpentine, each carving out integral lines throughout the city's past, present and its future.

Surrey is also home to the Surrey Campus of Simon Fraser University.