July 16, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The City of Surrey has significantly outpaced its initial housing targets set by the province, granting occupancy to 53% more net new units than required in the first year. This achievement was detailed in the Housing Target Progress Report, approved at Monday’s Council meeting.
From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, Surrey saw a total of 6,488 net new units receive occupancy permits. This figure dramatically exceeds the first-year target of 4,233 net new units, underscoring the city’s robust development activity.
Mayor Brenda Locke expressed her enthusiasm for the results. “I am so excited to announce that the City of Surrey is exceeding the provincially imposed housing targets by more than 50% in the first year, demonstrating our commitment to increasing housing supply in the city,” she stated. “We have made great progress and will continue to take bold steps to streamline our processes to support diverse housing options.”
Call for Provincial Infrastructure Investment
Despite the city’s success in accelerating housing construction, Mayor Locke emphasized the urgent need for provincial support in infrastructure. “The numbers in the report are a substantial achievement and reinforce that Surrey is a destination to live, work and build in. While the City is exceeding the mandated housing targets, we need to see the province stepping up to build the infrastructure we need—our hospital is in crisis, schools are overcrowded, and we need to see more bus and transportation improvements for our growing population,” Locke asserted. “The province wants Surrey to build housing, and we need to see them build the infrastructure we need.”
Pipeline of Future Housing and Streamlined Processes
On June 25, 2024, the minister of housing issued Surrey a five-year housing target of 27,256 net new units to be constructed, effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
The city appears well-positioned to meet future targets, with over 45,100 units currently holding rezoning conditional approval and awaiting construction. Additionally, over 13,100 units have already received building permits and are in various stages of construction.
“The progress in the first year of reporting is significant,” said Ron Gill, General Manager of Planning and Development. He highlighted the city’s focus on accelerating the approval and development of housing projects. “Currently, there are a number of housing units in various stages of the development and construction approval process. The focus will continue to be working with the industry to ensure these projects move through the permitting process, ensure compliance and finalize construction.”
Over the past year, Surrey has implemented more than 30 process improvements aimed at reducing timelines, increasing efficiency, and supporting the development community in delivering housing. The report indicates that with these efforts, Surrey is well on track to meet its cumulative housing targets for 2026.
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