After 18 months, the City of Surrey is reporting significant progress in achieving its goals in the Housing Action Plan. Halfway through the second year, the City has implemented over 30 process improvements and issued permits for over 9,500 net new housing units.
These improvements were focused on reducing timelines, streamlining approval processes, and updating bylaws and policies to support a growing city.
“From exceeding the provincial housing targets, to implementing process improvements, the City is delivering on our commitment to increasing the housing supply,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “I would like to thank the federal government and CMHC for their continued support as we work together to offer diverse and affordable housing options in Surrey. We’re dedicated to building a city for everyone – where you can live, work, learn, and thrive.”
In the remaining months, several improvements are expected to be introduced to Council to meet the deliverables outlined in the Housing Action Plan, including:
- Update policies for application scope and requirements
- Explore further opportunities to increase reliance on qualified professionals and reduce the scope of reviews by the City such as geotechnical reviews
- Create new zones for six-storey mid-rise and mixed-use buildings as well as townhouses
- Establish an approach for pre-approved plans including accessory dwelling units
- Update the Official Community Plan (OCP) to include “15-minute neighbourhood” policies
“Our government is committed to giving local governments the support they need to drive housing supply and bring down housing costs. Surrey joins more than 200 municipalities across Canada in cutting red tape and fast-tracking housing. It’s an example of what’s possible when governments work together. It’s also another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong,“ said the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Parliamentary Secretary of State, International Development, and Member of Parliament for Surrey Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.
On Dec. 4, 2023, the City received initial funding of $96.5 million from the Government of Canada through the Housing Accelerator Fund administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This funding was a response to the City’s Housing Action Plan, which aims to address the delivery of housing and support affordable housing projects. Earlier this year, an additional $5.1 million was approved and a ninth initiative was added to the Housing Action Plan.
