Surrey approves $49M in construction to stimulate economy

The city of Surrey approved $49 million in construction to create jobs as global economic uncertainty grows.

Surrey City Council approved four city engineering capital contracts valued at $14 million that will result in the creation of approximately 140 new jobs. Work will commence by the end of this month. City Council also granted final approvals to five private projects that have a combined total construction value of $49 million.

“With the uncertainties of COVID-19, the City of Surrey is doing its part to stimulate the local economy and create local jobs,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “That’s why Council has placed a priority on private projects that are deep in the development approval process. Our goal is to make sure they can quickly and efficiently move through the application and building process so they can get shovels in the ground and people to work as quickly as possible.

In addition to the approvals made last night by Council, building and development activity from March 16 to April 3 have resulted in a total construction value of $133 million. During this 3-week period, the City of Surrey issued 157 permits for a variety of projects including 168 single detached and multi-family (condos/townhouses/apartments) that have been added to Surrey’s housing stock.

“Clearly the numbers from the last three weeks show an unshaken confidence in investing and building in Surrey. I want to thank the development community for their unwavering commitment,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “In unprecedented times like this, it is crucial that Council is united in doing everything we can to shore up our local economy and provide opportunities for new work wherever appropriate.”

The engineering capital contracts include upgrades to drainage pump station facilities, watermain upgrades to deliver safe and fresh drinking water, sewer upgrades, drainage utilities upgrades, and sidewalk installations.

Private projects approved include 15 single family lots, a 6-storey modular building, 127 townhouse units, Phase 1 of a multiphase development, an industrial warehouse building, renovations to a fast food restaurant.