The Worst Case Scenario ...

As I write this, a mother clings to life in a hospital bed. It is unlikely she will survive.

 Her crime? Doing what good mothers do. Picking up her son from a hockey tournament . 

She was savagely beaten in an area that once  was a family friendly sporting complex. Not any more. 

For years community groups have been pleading with city government to address the increasing violence and crime in this part of Surrey. Many homeowners believe it directly correlates with the move to  re-brand  City Centre  ( Whalley) as a gleaming new Metropolis.  Unfortunately, Newton has become the new Whalley, and  Whalley's Woes have become Newton's Nightmares. 

That is heartbreakingly true for one family tonight. 

 To Mayor Watts and  Surrey city council, this was what we feared would happen. We are beyond sad. This is a tragedy that  many residents feel could have been prevented, but it would have taken acknowledging  that the problem existed. And it appears that that was simply too bitter a pill to swallow. And that is a tragedy all on its own.

Full Story Here- Hockey Mom Beaten in Unprovoked Attack

 We will  keep you updated as this story unfolds.
 Update : Julie Paskall succumbed to her injuries Tuesday December 31, 2013

Will New Public Market Owners Mean a New and Exciting Place for Surrey Residents? Updated

  The Surrey Public Market property at King George and 64th Avenue  has once again sold.

 ReNewton and Friends are hopeful that with new owners, the residents of Sullivan Heights and Panorama Northwoods will finally be getting a  much desired shopping, dining, entertainment hub that  they've been waiting for.
Looks like a lot of condos are slated for this development as well. If this project is done correctly and with a vision for creating a neighbourhood gathering place, this is good news for the community. We will all be watching as things unfold over the next few months.
 Latest ReNewton News in the Now Newspaper  The Vancouver Sun also picked up the story in greater detail here.

Will  we be saying goodbye to this?

A neighbourhood hub with a vibrant and international vibe would be perfect! We have such a diverse community here !

Will we (finally) be saying goodbye to this?

Well, it looks as though we may have a change of ownership at the southeast corner of King George and 64th Avenue in Surrey. Rumour has it  the property has once again changed  hands.  

For  15 years  residents of Surrey, and travellers through this busy intersection, have been greeted with the dilapidated  eyesore seen below.  We can only hope that the new owner will take much needed action as soon as possible and create something wonderful for the growing South Newton area.

The Panorama Northwoods and Sullivan Heights  neighbourhoods are booming with trendy, new condos and townhomes,  home to a young urban demographic. What they've been yearning for is a vibrant community shopping  hub! Hopefully  one with an international feel complete with  cafes,  bakeries, veggie markets  and an urban artsy focus. 

Perhaps even the return of the once booming, much loved public market! 

 Let's hope third time is a charm! 

Current state of public market  building

Mixed use retail  plus residential complex- Looks great right?

Farmers markets are gaining popularity. Great  for any retail complex to incorporate one into its  plan

Sidewalks are for people!   How awesome would this be at the corner of KG &64th??

The Shops at Morgan Crossing is good example of mixed residential and retail
 

Ellen Dunham- Jones' must read book

Biking down the King George? Heck Yeah- if it were like this!

 This is what Seattle is doing to encourage residents to ditch their cars  and get onto the seat of their bikes.

 Good stuff Seattle!

 So many people we talk with would love to bike more, but they feel apprehensive. Being mere inches away from speeding cars and drivers who don't like sharing the road, isn't something that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
 For cycling to gain ground as a viable transportation option, it first of all has to be safe.
And we're just not there yet.

Release the Hounds! Well, release one anyway..... Baskervilles at Newton Cultch til Oct 31

Wednesday evening a few of us locals attended an intimate opening night performance of
 Ellie King's  The Hound of the Baskervilles at the Newton Cultural Centre.

 Well  our newest civic treasure - (she has the award to prove it)! has done it again. 

Ellie King directs an uproariously funny spoof of the classic Sherlock Holmes story, expertly performed by 3 uber-talented  and energetic, really energetic  actors.

We highly recommend this production. You won't be disappointed! The calibre of acting is first rate and despite the limitations of the small 'black box' space, the show did not fail to thoroughly entertain. You will laugh! A lot.   

 There were even members of a Metro Vancouver Sherlock Holmes society in attendance! 

  The show runs til Oct 31 at 7:30 . Tickets are 25. with a pack of 4 for only 55. and  can be purchased by calling the Newton Cultural Centre at 604-594-2700  

Newton Cultural Centre is located at 

13530 72 Ave  Surrey,    +1 604-594-2700

The Old Surrey Restaurant & Bistro 72 are across the street so why not pop in before or after the show.

 Baskervilles gets the ReNewton stamp of approval.  Well Done!  

How to be a landlord in Metro Vancouver

 In light of the tragedy of the "Surrey Six" murders and current trial, a timely  piece on the perils and proper practice of screening tenants for rental property.
 Too many landlords aren't doing due diligence. The consequences can be disastrous....


How to be a landlord in Metro Vancouver

Mayor Watts, Enforce This Bylaw...

Lots of buzz about the last post " Mayor Watts, Tear Down These Walls"  Here's the story from the Peace Arch News.   Read here

Mayor Watts, Tear Down These Walls

All the good people of Surrey are asking for, is that the city enforce its unsightly property bylaw shown below.

 Set a deadline for the owner to remove the  building. If the deadline passes, the city must go in and clear the lot.
The city has the power to demolish the structure and charge the owner.

Unsightly Properties

Properties within the City of Surrey are required to be maintained at an acceptable level.  The Surrey Property Maintenance and Unsightly Premises By-law, 2007, No. 16393 (PDF. New window.) sets acceptable levels of maintenance and defines what is considered unsightly. Accumulation of junk, discarded materials and garbage, dead landscaping, uncontrolled growth of landscaping, and deterioration of fences, buildings or other structures are examples of items contained within the definition of unsightly in the by-law.

Enforcement procedures:

Once a complaint is received, an inspection is conducted by a By-law Enforcement Officer. If the By-law Enforcement Officer determines the property falls within the definition of an unsightly property, the by-law is explained to the property owner, as well as what must be done to clean up the property. A deadline for the clean-up is set by the By-law Enforcement Officer after the property owner has been notified of the problem.

If sufficient clean-up of the property has not taken place after the deadline has lapsed, the City may have the property cleaned up at the expense of the property owner. The cost of the clean-up will form a part of the property taxes of the property if the property owner does not pay.

Make a complaint online or call 604-591-4370 to make a complaint.

- See more at: http://www.surrey.ca/city-government/4682.aspx#Unsightly Property

Mayor Watts, Tear Down These Walls.

Update: January 2014

The property at King George and 64th Avenue has been sold again. And still this building sits. A fence has been erected around the corner, but its gates have been breached many times and currently remain wide open. Concrete barriers have been moved and the lot is now wide open for any one who chooses to drive right in. 

Is it really asking too much for the city of Surrey to enforce its Unsightly Property Bylaw?

Original Post: September 2013

ReNewton began with the goal of placing the spotlight on the condition of the old public market site in Surrey.  We asked the mayor in 2011 if the city could purchase the neglected property and build a much needed arts/recreation/sport facility or public market. Something for the community. The response was that the city had tried, but the owner at the time 'didn't want to sell'. 

However in Jan of 2012, the property in fact did sell, but  the city of Surrey wasn't the buyer. 

Nearly fifteen years after shutting its doors, the structure still sits. Unsightly, exposed and  unsafe. 

The building you see below at the highly visible intersection of King George and 64th Avenue has been in a continuous state of decay for  well over a decade. 

 It's time for the bulldozers to arrive and remove this dangerous, deplorable structure. 

Mayor Watts, tear down these walls.

The  residents of Panorama Ridge, Panorama Northwoods and Sullivan Heights,  not to mention the citizens and taxpayers of Surrey in general, deserve  better than this. 

Happy August!

Well, after a rainy and dismal June here on the west coast, we were treated to the sunniest and driest July on record! Woot!
  ReNewton is taking a bit of a vacation this summer but we'll be back in September with all sorts of new things to talk about.
 In the meantime check out a few of the newest businesses that have opened up in the  South Newton/ Panorama Northwoods neighbourhoods.
 Support your local business!

Deserres on King George is a fave for artists and kids of all ages!

Pho Newton is a wonderful little place for a quick lunch. Very good service and the food is delish and reasonably priced. Located near the Bank of Montreal at Kings Cross at 76th and King George

Don't forget all the other shops that  always provide superb service and selection. Pet Food 'n More and The Organic Grocer are 2 faves. 

And.... how could we not mention Greco's Mediterranean Deli!  This is consistently ranked as the top deli in town. One visit and you'll see why.

Enjoying Summer's Harvest

Hope everyone's getting a chance to shop at the local farmers markets in the area. Wednesdays the Surrey Urban Market is at City Centre and Thursday InSeason Farmers Market is at Art's Nursery in Port Kells.

 Yesterday I shopped at Mary's Garden on 40th Ave in South Surrey and got the most delicious raspberries!
 Enjoy eating healthy!

Make way for Parklets!

 We're loving this fast and easy way to create community space on the street  

Check out Berkeley California's Parklets

Summertime!

On a wee hiatus for part of the summer!

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

ReMember to "Like" ReNewton on Facebook  

 And follow us on Twitter   for all the latest up to the minute news about ReNewton

One culturally diverse community's night market. We LOVE this idea!

How to Build a Better Block

Why you'll never look at your city the same way again....

James Kunstler hits the nail on the head with this  short  TED Talks video.  

Colourful language at times, but I'm confident that it's his message you'll remember from this TED Talks presentation.
A must see for anyone who cares about their community and especially for those in  decision making positions.

Newton Community Association first Meeting reminder- Tonight!

Reminder 

Tuesday, May 21

7-9

 Introductory Meeting

 to form a  community association for Newton

 This will be held at the Newton Recreation Centre/ Wave Pool in multi-purpose room 1

All those interested  are welcome to attend.

 (This is not a ReNewton sponsored event )

Another Great TED Talks - How to fit more people into every city

Have been watching a lot  of fascinating and informative  presentations on the  TED Talks channel. This is one that's been added to the favourites list. Enjoy!

Keep it Local

So many wonderful places to shop in our  Surrey-Panorama neighbourhood. This weekend why not check out a few. 

Greco's Deli never disappoints and has gifts for Mom too!

New in the area is DeSerres  Art Supplies on King George near 76th. They're having a grand opening weekend with lots of specials. Your kids will love this place!

 There is also a plant and bake sale at Bethany United Church    

(60th Ave &148th St) from 9-1pm Saturday.

Keep it Local friends!

Tonight- All Candidates Meeting for SRY-Panorama

All-Candidates Meeting – Surrey Panorama

Everyone is welcome! 

Tuesday-May 7th, 7:30 PM

Colebrook United Church Hall

5411 125A Street

Panorama Ridge

Retrofitting Suburbia....revisited

   Just came across this  video and wanted to share. It's really so simple.
We have to start looking at communities that work. Ones where people are out on the street interacting. They're safer, more enjoyable and healthier.

Smarter Communities

Festival Street and Parking Meters in Downtown Newton? Time for Action.

Some time ago the City of Surrey decided to install pay parking meters on 137th St. in downtown Newton.
Most,  if not all  businesses on the street didn't ask for this and would like them removed.
 There are other options to limit "overstays".  For example, have a 2 hour limit and and enforce it. Let's encourage more activity not less, along what council has promoted in the media one year ago as  " Festival Street "  And the downtown core is  a jewel compared to what  
The King George strip between 62nd and 68th  Avenues looks like.

So far nothing has been done to start revitalizing an area that many of you are calling New Whalley or Surrey's own Downtown Eastside.  

Take a walk from downtown Newton along King George down to 64th Avenue and see what The Future of Surrey looks like from Surrey-Panorama's viewpoint.

How about it Mayor Watts and council? 

Thursday Post - Here's to Jane

 Saturday marks the birthday of the late great Jane Jacobs who wrote the iconic
  The Death and Life of Great American Cities.

  I contend that unless city planners truly "get' Jane Jacobs, and embrace her vision, we will continue to see wider roads with more traffic, fewer people on the sidewalk and more crime and alienation.

Here's a very short video which captures the essence of Jane's  radical ( in 1962) vision

ReMembering Jane Jacobs 

Jane Jacobs out in the street

"It's All About the Corner" Jane Jacobs

"It's All About The Corner"

Some of you may  know that even before this place  (shown below) was a public market

there was an even  older way funkier and very successful market and community hub on the  same corner at King George and 64th Avenue. The goal of ReNewton was to bring back the public market to this corner. Now, our mayor, being focused  on City Centre so intently that she pays little attention to the state of south Newton, is fond of saying that this corner is not the right location for a public market. How very disingenuous of her!  The original market  the one housed in an old former roller rink was booming !   Fresh fish vendors, veggie stands, the  BEST Japanese take-out and so much more! It was one of the things that drew many of us to  the area and to ultimately purchase homes in what was then a semi-rural  part of the south Newton/ north Panorama neighbourhood.. 

And now, with 10s of thousands more people here and with 70,000 cars passing through the King George and 64th Avenue, well, just imagine the possibilities. 

But I digress.....

The land is privately owned and the owner has plans for a mixed use development but no construction is slated for the foreseeable future. And that's where we, and you come in. 

 Let's bring some life back to this corner and show that this IS a place that we in the community care about.  

Any arts group or individuals  who would like a huge  and very visible canvas to work on send a message to hey-jude@telus.net.  Some of  you have said you'd like to see a giant chess/checkerboard or a labyrinth and hey, who wants to yarn bomb those trees?  Wouldn't it be great  for drivers through that intersection to see those trees covered in something so whimsical and fun? Others have suggested food producers and a farmers market set up a few times this summer.

So... what are you waiting for?  Let's get creative!

Check out these new places in Newton!

Quick shout out to a few new places in the hood.

The Greek Corner  restaurant also is open in  Newton  in the  Save-on-Foods shopping centre.  Used to be John's Taverna now has new owners and a whole new look. We hope to pay them a visit soon. 

DeSerres  Art Supplies  on  the west side  of King George near 76th Ave. Amazing selection of art supplies for serious artists plus a HUGE selection of crafty items and great kids gifts and creative projects and kits. Gorgeous looking store- friendly knowledgeable staff!

Let us know if you've been! 

Wild Wing also in the same shopping centre on the Shoppers Drug Mart side. 

Looks like a fun place to go for a casual bite and enjoy ( hopefully)  watching the Canucks!

Plus, don't forget Bistro 72 located in the Old Surrey Restaurant. 

Less formal than the Old Surrey and a great place for live music on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Open for brunch too! 

Now get out there and start spending money in your own neighbourhood! Have fun, eat, drink, get creative, and shop!

  

New ( and Newish ) in the Neighbourhood - Check them out!

 Quick weekend post to tell you to be sure to check out  the brand new DeSerres Art Supply and Craft store on King George and 76th Ave. They opened yesterday! 

Had the most delicious Pho ( pronounced FA for those new to this delicious Vietnamese  noodle soup cuisine) the other day here at PHO Newton. Nice little place located right next to the Bank of Montreal at King's Cross  Shopping Centre at King George and 74th in Newton. Loved it!

Seemed like a good idea at the time....

Well, The community garden project has turned out to be a bit of a non starter.  There was so much initial positive response from the community, but as is often the case, finances and logistics  got in the way.   We probably could have justified the expenditures had the lot been given to us on a permanent or at least 2-3 year basis. Having it til only November at first didn't seem to be a bad deal but it's just not enough time to make it a sustainable enterprise. 

So.....

Thank you to everyone who sent messages of support and offers to help.  The outpouring of community spirit is so encouraging and will keep us going  to achieve the ultimate goal of revitalizing the King George corridor in south Newton between 62nd and 68th Avenues. 

We still envision creating The George Arts District. 

Where there's a will- there's a way and it's been clear from your calls and messages that this is what the community wants.

 No matter what neighbourhood they're from, patios and cafes  on the street are what people keep telling us they want! Really, REALLY want!

 Just remember Margaret Mead's famous quote:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” 

What would happen if we shut down  a few blocks of The George for a street fair?

Gotta have kids involved in any festival or community  event!

Who doesn't love a farmer's market?

Farmers,  neighbourhood groups,  artisans, food producers all get  great exposure!

And what's a street festival without loads of music and dancing?

The Difference Between Surrey and Yogurt.

In the summer of 1986 when I first told my family and friends that I was thinking of moving from a heritage home in the Queen's Park area of New Westminster to a brand new house in Surrey, one of them  rolled her eyes and asked this....


 What's the difference between Surrey and Yogurt?*


  Anyone remember the answer?  It was a real dig at Surrey and came on the heals of that whole Surrey bashing  thing that was rampant at the time.
Richmond's  " Buying a house in Richmond means never having to say  'You're Surrey'"
   If you're of a certain age you'll know that  THAT line came from the movie Love Story ( Being in love means never having to say you're sorry)  haha  :((  So clever. Sigh.

Well, guess what folks? 
 Just like yogurt, Surrey actually HAS CULTURE!

Our Arts Centre in Bear Creek Park is an outstanding facility. I have visited the gallery with instructors from Emily Carr University of Art & Design  and fellow artists and they have commented on what a great space we have there.  I'll take that as an endorsement.

 So what's the problem?  Well, Surrey just doesn't have enough venues and entertainment options.
We need places where young people can go for a night out to hear live music and have fun.
Too many 20 something Surrey-ites are  choosing to pack up and make their home in Vancouver  cuz, 'nothing happens here'
 We have to change that.
One of   ReNewton's goals is to encourage an Arts District in the  dead centre of the city.
Newton.
Yes.
Newton.

Street Cafe  - Jazz Club
Who needs Vancouver when you could have this right here in  Newton the heart of Surrey- the smack-dab centrepoint of the city?

There's an area in south Newton  along the King George between 62nd and 70th Avenues that has many for lease spaces, empty lots and vacant  or under used buildings. What if we could create an Arts District  there? A walkable stretch  of 8 blocks where artists, musicians, young people can hang out, eat, drink , listen to music, shop, perform etc.  and NOT have to go to Vancouver for a night out.
Surrey needs to keep more entertainment dollars in its own backyard.

And, this is important...  Surrey needs to show young people from other areas of Metro Vancouver that yes, this IS where the future lives. Not just 'lives'..... but LIVES !!

The George Arts District might just be a way  to start.

 Let the city of Surrey know that you'd like to see a more vibrant dynamic cultural core in the heart of Surrey. That's right here in Newton folks. Midtown Surrey.  

Market Community Garden Info Update

Still waiting for official news re:  funding for the Market  Community Garden project

Turning this.....

into this!

 Stay tuned!

And in our dreams....... this too!  We can dream right?

From Vacant to Vibrant

Don't Miss Out on all the 

Market Community Garden news as  the project unfolds!

 Remember to  sign up to receive every new ReNewton blog plot in your inbox.


We're hoping to turn this..

into this....Bringing Community Together

Market Community Garden update

 The response from the community for the garden project has been overwhelming and so encouraging. Thank you for all the offers of help. What we will be doing next is setting a meeting date to plan the course of action. Send a message to hey-jude@telus.net to  find out more.


Here's a little video from the great people at Can You Dig It?  who help create  community gardens. Watch here
 We would LOVE to have them onboard!

The Market Community Garden - Let's Get Growing!

 ReNewton has been given a wonderful opportunity to create an organic community garden in the neighbourhood!

We're going to be  on pavement so need crates and containers like this.

  This has all happened very quickly but want to let everyone know  right away as permission was just finalized today.

  Earlier today the owner of the former Surrey Public Market site officially gave ReNewton permission  to use the paved  northwest area of the property for a community garden!
Get ready for ...

The Market Community Garden !

... at the corner of King George and 64th Avenue.

Here's where you come in....

We Need Help! Lots of it!  

Sponsors, volunteers, business services (insurance etc.) and donations from local groups, garden centres and of course we need planter boxes built for the  garden plots.

And then we need to allocate the plots to groups and individuals.

Whew!  So much to do- But it's all good!

Water may not be available on site ( we're hopeful that the city will be able to help with that) so we may need some sort of  large water tank which we hear has worked for other community gardens around the city. 

One community's garden project in bloom

  We'd love to have Sullivan Heights Secondary and Panorama Ridge school students to get involved by painting the garden crates and  containers. 

 Let's turn this into a big community  project for everyone!  

Stay tuned for more updates as they transpire. We'll be having a get-growing meeting soon.

 Please help spread the word !

Spring is here and we need to get planting!

Containers like this are an option but cedar boxes would be best.
Maybe our fabulous Surrey Firefighters could help with construction?

Here's the area where the Market Community Garden 
@ King George and 64th Ave. will go.
Lots of room for  raised gardens !

Springtime in Surrey

Took advantage of the sunny weather to go for a stroll through  pretty Hyland Creek Park, a lovely little  green space with a  salmon spawning creek in the South Newton area.

 There  are plans for a development just to the southeast of  this park  which  is unfortunate as  the woods are home to all sorts of wildlife.  The pheasants and raccoons  vanished  a few years ago  and the coyotes  and bunnies aren't as plentiful as they used to be. Sad. 

Still it's nice to have a wooded area nearby. So get outside and appreciate the beauty of nature!

Hyland Creek- Panorama/ Hyland
Surrey, BC

No words- Just Watch This. ReNewton's Goal in a Nutshell..

Bringing Community Together,.
One Move at a Time.

You Have to Watch This!

Councillor Hunt goes for Provincial Seat

Long Time Surrey city councillor Marvin Hunt  is Surrey Panorama's new Liberal candidate in the upcoming provincial election.
 This contest should prove very interesting.  If he wins the seat there'll be an opening on city council here in town. Currently Watts' Surrey First holds all the spots.
What will the future hold? Never a dull moment in politics!

Is it April Fools Day already?

 Despite  publicly stating that "Newton would not be home to any more  social  housing"  tonight we learn that  Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts appears to welcome Vision Quest into the already saturated  neighbourhood.
 The plan is to have Vision Quest move into the burned out  Hotel Bollywood, a shabby boarded up motel on the King George strip. There couldn't be a worse place to house vulnerable people than  at that location. This cannot be allowed to happen yet again in Newton.

Mayor Watts said  she wouldn't do this and  she needs to be held  accountable to all Surrey residents. The people in this part of Surrey have absorbed more than their share of similar type housing and organizations, and it has created an unbalanced and unhealthy  area along the King George corridor  in South Newton.

The people of South Surrey were listened to last month and managed to block a mega casino  development  in their community with the mayor casting the deciding vote. That 'no' vote  means  the gaming license held by Gateway stays in Newton.  And the slots at Bingo Country at King George and 71st Ave, which the mayor told us would be "temporary" will continue to operate and  tempt  the  large number  of already marginalized residents who live within a few blocks.

And now she wants to put another  recovery facility close by?

Please tell us that it's April Fools Day, because this has to be some sort of joke.

Watch the Global News  feature here.
Click here
 Update Thursday Feb 28
Mayor Watts gives statement saying  Vision Quest will not be going into the Hotel Bollywood.  Claims Vision Quest acted without her approval and consent.  Pretty sure we haven't heard the last of this. Surrey politics, very strange indeed.

Local Gems....

  A quick shout out to  a business who continue to provide the best service around! One of our local Newton gems is Pet Food 'n More in the Newton Village where today I had a nice chat with Raffi, a 32 year old Macaw parrot. What a beautiful bird! 

The staff at this store are so helpful and they always make time to  carry purchases to my car.  

 Plus, their prices  are  very reasonable.  Check them out!

Move over Flash Mob- It's Cash Mob!

 Cash Mobs are a great way  to support local businesses. People love  getting involved and business gets a big boost . Great way to put the focus on a  neighbourhood  restaurant, deli  or what have you, and have some fun while you're at it.
Check  out what one community did.
Cash Mob

Retrofitting Suburbia's Dunham-Jones @ SFU Surrey

Update: Last night  we heard Ellen Dunham-Jones speak at Simon Fraser University in  Surrey. It was exciting and encouraging to see what can be done to the aging suburbs with just a little vision, some forward thinking and  the willingness to allow change to come to the neighbourhood.

The condensed  TED Talks video link below gives an excellent summary of the potential of the suburbs. 

We need to let them grow up!

Original post:

For any resident, government official or business person interested in the future of the their community,  Retrofitting Suburbia by Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson is a must read. 

Ellen Dunham-Jones  will be giving a lecture  at  Simon Fraser University -Surrey Campus on the evening of Thursday Feb 7th 

SFU "Retrofitting Suburbia" Lecture info here

She will aslo be taking part in an all day symposium Beyond Downtown   at UBC on Friday Feb 8th.

 Have a look at  a  short TED Talks presentation  with Dunham-Jones and her unique take on what decades of suburban sprawl and short-sighted planning has meant for the suburbs. She addresses smart and in many cases easy and inexpensive ways to turn a place around.    Watch video here

Monday Morning Gob Smack- She Said What???

Woke up this morning to see Shelley Fralic's glowing report  in the Vancouver Sun on Surrey mayor Dianne Watts.

 Fralic writes that "Watts has cleaned up the grimy bits" and is "hell-bent on cleaning up the grungier parts of town.." 

Nearly sprayed coffee all over the kitchen windows. Didn't know whether to laugh out loud or cry.  

South Newton residents, especially those living near the King George corridor between 72nd & 60th, can only shake their heads at these pronouncements.  Despite well-timed promises for revitalization of the Newton downtown area  no action has been taken and well  friends, THIS is what greets drivers  at one of the busiest intersections in all of Surrey daily. And it's been like this for over a decade.  

If Watts  and Co. continue to neglect Newton- home to Surrey's largest population ( and growing) the result will be seen come next election.  And that's a crying shame, because  up until now, I have voted for her every time.

The Future Lives Here?

The decaying former Surrey Public Market   stands at one of the busiest intersections in town  King George & 64th Avenue.
70,000 drivers daily look at this and think "The Future Lives here??? "

Read  full Vancouver Sun piece here

Time for the Suburbs to Grow Up...

You have a night out planned. 

These are your options:

 A one stop complex  that offers restaurants and entertainment options including a  show theatre  but is located in a neighbouring community?

or .... an aging bingo hall ?

Quick-Where are you going to spend your money?

Bingo Country Surrey BC

Coast Hotel and Cascades Casino Langley BC

What do you think- did Bruce get it right? Ouch!

Click here for Bruce Allen's Reality Check re: Surrey Casino Jan 22

How about International Village for Newton?

Time to think outside the box and build something wonderful that ALL  of Surrey residents can feel good about!

What now for Downtown Newton?
Some thoughts...

Holland Park in Downtown Surrey is home to the Fusion Festival, a popular annual event that   thousands  of families enjoy every year.  Always a wonderful opportunity to showcase our city's amazingly diverse cultures and nationalities. 

 Last summer we attended  with 3 kids from Mexico who said the best thing by far was the delicious food! They  enjoyed the chicken satay with peanut sauce so much that I had to make my version of it for dinner  later that evening! Got everybody talking about how great it would be for Surrey and in particular Downtown Newton to showcase  our multi-culturalism  for more than  just a few weekends a year.  Newton  has the largest population in Surrey many of whom are immigrants bringing with them their own unique gifts and artistic skills.

Wouldn't it be great to see Downtown  Newton transformed into an International Village? Imagine the food!    We'd love to see a farmer's market  that caters to everyone's cultural heritage. 

Bringing cultures together is  what builds a strong community and contributes to

 healthy, safe and vibrant neighbourhoods. 

What do you think? 

Mother and son shopping at open air marketplace

International Village for Newton?

Casino Royale-Time to Shuffle the Deck and Deal

  This weekend Surrey city council  in a close vote  turned down the proposal to build a casino and entertainment complex in South Surrey.

It's a victory for South Surrey residents,  and there's an element of Nimbyism for sure.

 The  No vote has unfortunate consequences for South Newton where Gateway's current Bingo Country operates.
Several months ago council voted to allow slots at that facility on a "temporary" basis until  the new casino in South Surrey was built and the gaming license transferred. 

 At the time it was said by many that  "temporary" had a way of becoming permanent.
And guess what folks, it has.

 The  aging Newton facility will keep operating as it is, and  plans for a new retail complex, complete with Planet Organic as anchor tenant?   Well that's unlikely to happen any time soon if ever.

Newton deserves the same attention and consideration as those  whose wishes were granted late Friday night.

  The city of Surrey must get working with developers to revitalize the South Newton/King George corridor.  

Clearly a need exists for  arts, entertainment and convention facilities. And what better place than  South Newton, the heart of Surrey. It's a no-brainer.

  Compromises will be necessary. We can't have everything we ask for. 

  But the time has come for the suburbs to grow up. Literally and figuratively.