Surrey reports 53% above first-year target in Housing Target Progress Report

At Monday’s Council meeting, Council approved the Housing Target Progress Report detailing the City’s progress in meeting housing targets set out by the province.

During the reporting period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the City granted occupancy to a total of 6,488 net new units -- 53% above the first-year target of 4,233 net new units.

 “I am so excited to announce that the City of Surrey is exceeding the provincially imposed housing targets by more than 50% in the first year, demonstrating our commitment to increasing housing supply in the city,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “We have made great progress and will continue to take bold steps to streamline our processes to support diverse housing options. The numbers in the report are a substantial achievement and reinforce that Surrey is a destination to live, work and build in. While the City is exceeding the mandated housing targets, we need to see the province stepping up to build the infrastructure we need—our hospital is in crisis, school are overcrowded, and we need to see more bus and transportation improvements for our growing population. The province wants Surrey to build housing, and we need to see them build the infrastructure we need.”

 On June 25, 2024, the minister of housing issued Surrey a five-year housing target, effective July 1, 2024, until June 30, 2029, of 27,256 net new units to be constructed.

 Currently, there are over 45,100 units with rezoning conditional approval awaiting construction and over 13,100 units with issued building permits that are at various stages of construction. Moving these units from application to construction and subsequently occupancy is critical.

The City is focused on accelerating the approval and development of housing projects. 

Over the last year, the City has implemented more than 30 process improvements that aim to reduce timelines, increase efficiency and support the development community to deliver housing.

“The progress in the first year of reporting is significant,” said Ron Gill, General Manager of Planning and Development. “Currently, there are a number of housing units in various stages of the development and construction approval process. The focus will continue to be working with the industry to ensure these projects move through the permitting process, ensure compliance and finalize construction.”

The report indicates Surrey is on track to meet the 2026 annual cumulative housing targets with the above target units granted occupancy, a significant number of units moving through the application and review process, and several process improvements already delivered.