WITH a splash of warm, earthy colours and a desire to make a difference, residents at the Ted Kuhn Towers transformed a blank wall at the supportive housing community into a local masterpiece to mark the launch of the City of Surrey’s third annual Our City beautification campaign. Surrey City Council and representatives from Options Community Services joined local residents on June 4 to help paint a warm and inviting mural designed to convey a strong sense of connection and togetherness.
“I’m excited to launch this year’s Our City campaign,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “This initiative has been instrumental in fostering community pride and tapping the creativity of residents and their desire to make a difference to build our vibrant city together. The Our City campaign exemplifies how small projects, fuelled by creativity and community spirit, can create lasting impact. I’m very excited to see what inspiring projects residents will come up with this year.”
Since the launch of this Council-endorsed initiative in 2023, the Our City campaign has empowered hundreds of Surrey residents to enhance their community and beautify their neighbourhoods. The initiative provides tools, resources and Neighbourhood Enhancement Grants to help residents and community groups complete small projects that bring people together and improve the physical appearance of their neighbourhood.
Over the last couple years, nearly 200 neighbourhood improvement projects have been completed across Surrey ranging from fence beautification projects and outdoor murals to mini sharing gardens, neighbourhood exchange libraries, and community cleanups. Our City Neighbourhood Event Kits have also helped build community, supporting a wide range of small neighbourhood events including block parties, community celebrations, festivals and cultural performances.
“Often, all it takes is a little bit of additional support to help get a project off the ground,” said David Sadler, Community Enhancement Planner. “If you have an idea on how to improve your community, please get in touch with the Our City team this summer for help or support to help bring your idea to life, which can include a grant, event kit or neighbourhood cleanup kit.”
“We are excited to have support from the City of Surrey’s Our City initiative to provide the Ted Khun Towers supportive housing residents an opportunity to participate in this beautification activity that will remain as a stunning visual addition in their community,” said Neil Arao, Options Community Services Executive Director of Homelessness, Housing and Mental Health Services. “This opportunity aligns perfectly with the intentional wraparound wellness programming and supports that Options is committed to making available to the residents of this Surrey community.”
Throughout the spring and summer, various Our City events and workshops will be held to support and inspire residents. For more information about the program and upcoming events, visit surrey.ca/ourcity.
