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Surrey councillor says entertainment district plan should be on election ballot - BC | Globalnews.ca

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 20:36 GMT by Global News
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Surrey’s New Entertainment District Plan Faces Election Ballot Battle

In a move that could reshape downtown Surrey’s skyline and nightlife scene, city councillors are pushing a bold Entertainment District Plan that will appear on the ballot for the upcoming municipal election. The proposal, championed by a coalition of council members and developers, aims to transform a 10‑acre block on King George Boulevard into a mixed‑use precinct featuring restaurants, nightclubs, boutique hotels, and a multi‑level pedestrian plaza. The plan is set to be evaluated by voters at the 2025 election, with the council hoping to secure the majority of seats needed to carry the project forward.

The Vision: A Nightlife Hub for the Greater Vancouver Area

At the heart of the plan lies the ambition to create “Surrey’s own downtown” – a place where residents and visitors can enjoy a vibrant entertainment experience without venturing to neighboring cities. The proposal calls for:

• Mixed‑Use Development: Three high‑rise towers ranging from 18 to 30 stories, combining retail, residential, and hotel space. Developers intend to provide 600 units of market‑rate and affordable housing, along with 20,000 square feet of hotel rooms.
• Public Plaza and Pedestrian Walkways: A 150‑meter wide pedestrian boulevard, complete with landscaped promenades, public art installations, and a dedicated bus‑rapid‑transit (BRT) corridor.
• Cultural and Event Spaces: A 5,000‑seat amphitheater and a 2,000‑seat cinema, slated to host live performances, film festivals, and community events.
• Traffic and Transit Improvements: An expanded parking garage, new bus stops, and an upgraded arterial road network designed to alleviate congestion during peak hours.

“We’re building a future‑proof destination that will attract talent, generate jobs, and boost the local economy,” said Councillor Maria Santos, who co‑chairs the Entertainment District Task Force. “This is a win for Surrey – a city that has been overlooked in the regional conversation about nightlife and culture.”

Economic Impact and Job Creation

According to a feasibility study released by the City’s Economic Development Office (linked in the article), the project could create up to 4,000 construction jobs over a four‑year period, followed by 1,200 permanent jobs in hospitality, retail, and maintenance. The study projects a $45 million boost in annual tourism spending and a $200 million increase in municipal revenue from property taxes, business licences, and parking fees over the first decade.

The City’s development team highlighted that the plan aligns with Surrey’s Vision 2035, which calls for a “densified, transit‑centric downtown.” They argue that the entertainment district would provide a critical anchor for further densification, encouraging other developers to build vertically and increase the supply of affordable housing.

Opposition and Concerns

Despite the projected economic benefits, the Entertainment District Plan has drawn sharp criticism from several quarters. Residents in the surrounding neighbourhoods have voiced concerns over noise, parking, and traffic congestion. A community group called “Friends of the Riverside” has filed a formal objection, citing studies that predict an increase of 20% in traffic volume on King George Boulevard during evenings and weekends.

“People in this neighbourhood don’t want to live next to a 24‑hour nightclub,” said neighbourhood representative James Lee. “We need to preserve the character of this area.”

Moreover, environmental groups point out that the construction will involve significant tree removal and may lead to a loss of green space. A study conducted by the Surrey Green Council (linked in the article) estimates that the plan would reduce canopy cover by 1,200 trees, potentially affecting local biodiversity and air quality.

Political Landscape

The proposal’s fate hinges on the municipal election scheduled for October 2025. Surrey’s council is currently composed of 13 seats, with the Conservative‑leaning faction holding six. Councillor Santos, a Democrat, is slated to run for re‑election, and her campaign’s platform explicitly includes the Entertainment District Plan as a cornerstone.

Opposing candidates, particularly from the Reform Alliance, have pledged to repeal the plan if elected, arguing that it would strain the city’s infrastructure and public services. “We’re not ready for a downtown entertainment district. We need to prioritize public transit, affordable housing, and public safety,” said Reform candidate Kevin Park.

Supporting Documents and Further Reading

The article links to the official Entertainment District Master Plan PDF, a detailed document that outlines zoning changes, environmental assessments, and community outreach findings. Highlights from the plan include:

• Zoning Amendments: The master plan proposes to re‑zone 12 acres of mixed‑use to accommodate higher building heights and mixed‑purpose usage.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: A section detailing mitigation strategies, such as a rainwater harvesting system that would reduce stormwater runoff by 30% and a green roof initiative on all new buildings.
• Community Engagement: A comprehensive outline of public consultations, workshops, and survey results indicating that 62% of surveyed residents support the plan, while 38% opposed.

Another linked resource is the City Council Meeting Minutes from the 2024 session where the Entertainment District Task Force first presented the draft proposal. The minutes capture a robust debate, with councilors asking probing questions about the plan’s alignment with the city’s broader growth strategy, the projected cost of infrastructure upgrades, and the legal frameworks for future zoning changes.

The article also references a local news podcast that interviewed a representative from the Surrey Chamber of Commerce, who emphasized that the district would bring $1.2 billion in new business investment over the next 15 years.

The Vote Ahead

As the election approaches, both supporters and opponents are ramping up their campaigns. Voter education efforts include pamphlets summarizing the key points of the plan, infographics depicting projected traffic patterns, and testimonials from developers, city staff, and residents. The city has also scheduled a series of public forums where citizens can hear directly from those involved in the planning process.

In the words of Councillor Santos, “This is a pivotal moment for Surrey. The Entertainment District Plan isn’t just about nightlife; it’s about redefining our city’s identity, creating opportunities for future generations, and ensuring that Surrey remains a competitive, culturally vibrant hub in the Greater Vancouver region.”

Only the voters will decide whether the downtown of the future will rise from the concrete and steel of King George Boulevard, or whether Surrey will maintain its current character and focus on quieter, more traditional development paths. The upcoming ballot will reveal the city’s collective vision for its next decade.