The media chose many different headlines to describe Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner’s second annual State of the City address on Thursday, May 19: Surrey State of the City address falls short. Tech and innovation the focus of Surrey mayor’s State of the City address. Surrey mayor wants a network of helipads across the city. Surrey mayor trumpets new projects at annual address.
But, what did she really say in her announcement to a crowd of over 400 people at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel last week?
“Surrey is a city full of possibilities and is primed to be a centre for technology and innovation for the region,” said Mayor Hepner. “Our potential for job and economic growth is tremendous. The bottom line is that Surrey is being recognized both at home and abroad as a city that builds global connections.”
In her presentation, Mayor Hepner announced a number of new projects and initiatives that range from public safety education, to cutting edge cleantech technology research, to film and TV production, including:
- Creation of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) – Foresight Cleantech Global Innovation Zone on the KPU Tech site in Cloverdale: A centre of excellence for clean technology research and advanced manufacturing on a campus-like environment.
- A new film studio in Newton: California-based Skydance Media will be converting the former Pacific Newspaper Group printing press building into a five sound-stage studio that can accommodate a production staff of up to 400 people.
- A new Children’s Safety Village: A child-sized village will be a place for children to learn about safety in a hands-on interactive way to make sure the lessons stick.
- New helipads in North and South Surrey: Commercial helicopter service will be introduced in Surrey.
New capital investments worth $334,000,000 include:
- two new aquatic centres in Guildford and Grandview
- expansion of the Surrey Museum
- design and construction of the Clayton multi-purpose facility
- new Cloverdale Ice Arena slated to open in 2018
- development of a second YMCA, and
- flood control improvements in lowland areas.
Watch the Mayor’s full speech here.
For information on current and upcoming Surrey development projects, go to the VIP Reception for REALTORS® on June 9.