Do you run a business in Newton?

The  Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association (DTBIA) has been successful in  helping revitalize the Central City area. The City of Surrey has also helped in giving economic incentives to  promote  development  in the hopes of creating  a new and exciting downtown destination.


 In Newton there is no BIA and one is desperately  needed! 
 In fact,  every other community in Surrey has a BIA.

 Do you want to see a more vibrant  neighbourhood here in South Newton specifically  around the King George Blvd between 60th and 76th Aves?
 Do you want city hall to recognize that Newton needs a reboot?
 Email me and let's do this!

Lots happening in Newton

Summer in Newton saw the partial take-down of the derelict public market building at King George and 64th Ave.   We're still waiting to see how the developer will be dealing with the rest of the structure  which most residents of the neighbourhood say should  also meet the business end of a bulldozer.
The Welcome Home project appears to be progressing  so will keep you posted on that in the coming weeks.  Before I became involved in local issues, nearly 1,000   Newton  homeowners came out in force to oppose the project which would see hundreds of former inmates housed in a live/work facility, adjacent to the existing  Price Pro residence which houses people recovering from addiction. No one disagrees that a facility like this is useful. No one. The argument is that Newton already has so many correctional and social  service type  organizations  that it is in danger of becoming  Surrey's version of  Vancouver's downtown eastside.
 Newton needs business revitalization.  We  cannot continue  along this path.  Simply put, it is not healthy for the community. Every neighbourhood needs a healthy  and balanced economic mix if it is to thrive.
 Now we hear  that there may be yet another homeless shelter in Newton, even though Mayor Watts has promised that Newton will not be the home to any more social services.  We need a major economic boost. Newton needs  new businesses to set up shop in the neighbourhood. Too many are leaving.  We need to look at the long term livability of our community. South Newton needs help. How much longer is the largest community in Surrey (130,000 residents) going to be neglected?
 Promises of  a revitalized town centre and "Festival Street" are considered by many residents as merely lip service. No follow up has occurred.
 Let's get serious and take action  while there's still time to make a  difference

Central City Skyline

The Central City tower is destined to become THE identifying landmark in the heart of the rapidly developing Surrey Downtown neighbourhood.  

 In the same way that  anyone anywhere seeing the Harbour Centre building in a photo or painting of Vancouver's skyline immediately knows exactly which city they're looking at, soon anybody seeing an image of  the iconic roof top  "whoosh"  will know that THIS is Central City.

The curving rooftop and welcoming outdoor plaza are truly a gem in the heart of our expanding city. If you've never been inside this part of the complex do yourself a favour. It's a marvel of architecture and design. The wood beams alone are worth the trip. Many people say the interior reminds them of a ship which 

I believe is exactly what architect Bing Thom had in mind.

  You can relax on the patio of the Central City Brewing Company restaurant and pub, sip one of their award-winning brews, and enjoy the simple pleasure of  people watching on the outdoor plaza. 

 This is a great place to be!

Central City Tower by Lamplight
Photo by Jude Hannah

Why would anyone do this?

A few days ago there was a fire at the Surrey Hospice and Firefighters thrift store in Newton. Arson is suspected.
Why anyone would target a place  like this is beyond my comprehension.
The people who work here,  all volunteers I believe, are always so gracious and friendly when I have dropped off donations.
 It really boggles the mind. 

School Bells Ring, are ya listenin'?

Quick reminder to slow down when driving through school zones and keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone

Happy first day of school to young and old alike!

 Nothing is more important  than to never stop learning about our mysterious, beautiful world and its people.

Be curious about EVERYTHING