Surrey Approves 24-Storey Tower with 230 Rental Units NOW

URGENT UPDATE: The City of Surrey has just approved a significant housing project that will see a new 24-storey tower built in Whalley, providing 230 rental units. The decision was confirmed during a public hearing on December 15, marking a crucial step in addressing the city’s housing crisis.

The Provincial Rental Housing Corp. plans to construct this tower at the southeast corner of 104 Avenue and 132 Street, transforming a vacant site that previously housed a gas station. This project will include three levels of underground parking and aims to offer housing options that are critical for the community.

According to a city planning report, some of the units will be below-market, with projections indicating that approximately 20 school-age children will live in the new development. The report estimates that 12 of these children will attend Old Yale Road Elementary, while others may enroll in Kwantlen Park Secondary or alternative schooling options.

Ron Gill, Surrey’s General Manager of Planning and Development, emphasized that this project is essential for preventing the loss of purpose-built rental housing. It is expected to accommodate existing tenants from the aging Mayflower housing co-op, located just 500 meters away. If not approved, 92 residents currently living at Mayflower may face displacement.

During the hearing, environmental advocate Deb Jack raised concerns about the impact on local trees. While the site itself has no trees, the proposal includes plans to remove five of eight boulevard trees, which are considered public property. Jack suggested that the city should assess these trees at a higher value, proposing a valuation of $1,650 each instead of the current $550.

The urgency for new housing is underscored by a representative from BC Housing, who highlighted the dire need for affordable housing options in Surrey. Vanessa Wong, Senior Manager of Development at BC Housing, noted that Surrey’s 2025 housing needs report indicates a demand for over 53,000 new dwellings to meet the city’s five-year housing requirements. Whalley, including the downtown area, has one of the highest rates of low-income households in Surrey.

“This application is proposing to help alleviate those pressures,” Wong stated, “by providing affordable, accessible, quality housing in the Whalley neighbourhood.”

As Surrey takes this significant step towards addressing its housing shortage, all eyes will be on the upcoming developments related to this project. Community members and stakeholders will be eager to see how the construction unfolds and what further measures may be implemented to protect public resources, such as trees.

Stay tuned for the latest updates as this story develops, and share this news to keep others informed about the urgent housing needs in Surrey.