Permit wait times have been reduced from nearly 15 weeks to 8.4 weeks
DURING Monday’s meeting, Surrey Council moved forward more than a dozen developments that will create over 2,200 new units in the City.
The combined estimated value of the projects is $440M and will bring new market housing, rental units, seniors housing, and housing for the homeless to Surrey.
The total value of building permits issued during the first 6 months of 2022 was $1.17B, which is a 31% increase from the same period last year.
Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum said on Wednesday: “I am thrilled to see the amount and variety of housing projects moving forward in Surrey.”
He noted: “These projects will help alleviate some of the pressing needs in our community surrounding affordable, accessible housing. As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, Council recognizes that access to a range of housing options is crucial.
“To help expedite project completions, the City has worked hard to reduce permit wait times through the introduction of a Guaranteed Permitting Timeline Program introduced last fall.
“Since then, we have exceeded our targets, reducing permit wait times from nearly 15 weeks to 8.4 weeks.”
The developments that Council moved forward include four high-rise projects ranging from 36-storeys to 43-storeys, several mid-rise buildings, a hotel being converted into housing for those who struggle with homelessness and a seven-storey seniors independent living building.
Council also gave final approvals for Surrey’s forthcoming second hospital in Cloverdale.