IN response to community feedback, the City of Surrey is renaming Senator Reid Park to North Ridge Park.

“Our city prides itself on our diversity and on being welcoming to all people,” said Laurie Cavan, general manager of Parks, Recreation and Culture. “It’s important that we listen to community feedback and ensure our parks and facilities reflect the City’s values.”

Named after Senator Thomas Reid, the park in South Newton was acquired in the 1980s and opened to the public in the 1990s. Recently, Surrey residents of Japanese descent provided feedback to the City regarding the park’s name, noting that Thomas Reid played a key role in injustices against Canadians of Japanese descent before, during, and after World War II.

As part of its ongoing commitment to reconciliation and education, the City has advanced key initiatives, including recently approved heritage features with integrated artworks at R.A. Nicholson Park and Inouye Park that acknowledge the painful experiences of Japanese Canadians during WWII.

The renaming of Senator Reid Park to North Ridge Park aligns with the City’s Parks and Facilities Naming Policy, which recommends avoiding politicians’ names in favour of those that reflect natural features, geographic location, heritage, or community input. This change also brings the park into alignment with the nearby elementary school of the same name.

The City will continue to review naming concerns and requests for both new and existing parks to ensure consistency with the policy.