A proposal to build the tallest building in Surrey, B.C. — a 67-storey tower in the city's downtown core — received third-reading approval from council after a public hearing Monday.

The mixed-use high-rise is being proposed for King George Boulevard and 102 Avenue, near the Surrey Central SkyTrain Station.

All councillors voted in favour of moving the proposal forward.&nbsp;

Coun.&nbsp;Doug Elford said the proposed building fits in line with Metro Vancouver's regional planning and will anchor Surrey's downtown.&nbsp;

"It's on one of the busiest roads … It's located in the right spot," he said in an interview.

Surrey council approves inclusive housing project more than a year after rejecting it

Council in Surrey, B.C., has voted in favour of an inclusive housing project during its last meeting ahead of this month's civic election — more than a year after it initially rejected it.

A rendering of a six-floor apartment building.

Surrey council voted in favour of Harmony, a new inclusive housing project on Oct. 3, 2022. 

UNITI

Surrey council has voted in favour of Harmony, which focuses on housing for people with intellectual disabilities and will offer 91 units below market rates. 

B.C. municipalities had a combined $3.1-billion surplus last year. Why the caution?

That includes surpluses of $583 million in Vancouver, $305 million in Surrey and $432 million in Burnaby — which continues to have the largest financial reserves of any city in the province, at $1.9 billion in net financial assets. 

What's a better tourism slogan for Burnaby? CBC's Stephen Quinn posed the question on social media and got more than 100 suggestions back. 

Burnaby

The City of Burnaby posted a $432-million surplus in 2021, adding to what is now a $1.9-billion reserve.

If approved, the project by local developer Westland Living would have 746 residential units,&nbsp;a seven-storey commercial and office podium and an eight-storey residential podium.&nbsp;

"I'm very excited about this," said Coun.&nbsp;Mandeep Nagra&nbsp;on Monday. He said as interest rates rise and development&nbsp;slows down, there'll be many workers struggling, especially in the construction industry.

"I think we should look at some sort of incentives moving forward so that we can keep our jobs going," he said.

The proposed tower would have up to 750 new residential homes and a seven-storey commercial and office podium. 

surrey tower

Residents had the chance to share their concerns about the proposed building at Monday's public hearing. Fleetwood resident Richard Landale said he is worried about congestion.

"Will the public be safe? Will traffic be safe in this immediate intersection area? I don't think so," he said.

Elford said he doesn't share those concerns, citing the need to have more housing in the area.

Vancouver city council approves Broadway Plan after long debate

An extensive plan for the future of Vancouver's Broadway corridor has been approved, but its long-term direction is still uncertain and will only be decided by a future city council.

Construction of the Millennium Line extension along Broadway in Vancouver on Thursday, June 9, 2022. The Broadway Plan seeks to guide development decisions around the extension. 

BROADWAY PLAN

Construction of the Millennium Line extension along Broadway in Vancouver is shown on June 9. The Broadway Plan seeks to guide development decisions around the extension. 

Surrey lacks plan to house most vulnerable, experts warn

According to the City of Surrey's housing needs report, the city does not have enough below-market rental and subsidized housing for its Indigenous and homeless populations.

According to the report, the city has an immediate need for 1,880 below-market or subsidized units to address the unique housing needs to Indigenous households. 

surrey construction boom

A Surrey housing report highlights the need for more affordable housing in the city.

"It's going to have a fair amount of units and we are desperately in need of housing in Surrey," Elford said.

After third reading, the building developer will have to meet conditions that the council sets. Once that's complete, the proposal will be added to the council agenda for final adoption.

A mixed-use high-rise is being proposed for King George Boulevard and 102 Avenue.

Proposed 67-storey tower in downtown Surrey moves step closer to approval after public hearing

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