Surrey

The history of Surrey, one of British Columbia’s largest cities, is inextricably linked to the settlement of the lands south of the Fraser River. Its development reflects the key stages of the entire region's growth—from Indigenous settlements to a modern multicultural metropolis.

Founding and First Mentions

Before the arrival of Europeans, these lands were inhabited for centuries by Indigenous peoples speaking Halkomelem languages of the Salishan linguistic group. The city's official history begins in 1879, when Surrey was incorporated as a municipality. The city owes its name to Englishman H.J. Brewer, who, looking at the local landscape from the north bank of the Fraser River, found it strikingly similar to his native County of Surrey in England.

Key Factors of Development

Geographical location played a decisive role in Surrey's development. Situated between the Fraser River to the north and the U.S. border to the south, it became an important transit and agricultural hub. Key growth factors included:

• Transportation Infrastructure Development: The laying of the first roads, such as a trail in 1861 and the Semiahmoo Wagon Road in 1873, connected Surrey with New Westminster and the American city of Blaine. Later, the construction of bridges, specifically the Pattullo Bridge in 1937, accelerated Surrey's transformation into a major residential suburb.
• Natural Resources: The fertile lands were ideal for agriculture, while the forests provided raw materials for the logging industry. Early settlers were actively involved in farming, fishing, and oyster harvesting.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Surrey's economy was predominantly agrarian. The first European settlers who established themselves in the areas of Cloverdale, South Surrey, and North Surrey were farmers, fishermen, and small shop owners. The forests covering most of the territory encouraged the development of logging. As transportation accessibility and population grew, Surrey gradually began to take on the characteristics of a "bedroom community" for those working in neighboring, larger cities such as Vancouver and New Westminster.

The history of Surrey is a journey from the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples to one of Canada's fastest-growing and most multicultural cities.

Key Milestones in the City's History

• Before the 19th Century: For thousands of years, the lands of modern-day Surrey were home to Indigenous peoples, specifically the Semiahmoo, Katzie, and Kwantlen tribes, whose way of life was closely tied to the Fraser River and the region's rich natural resources.
• 1879: Official incorporation of Surrey as a municipality occurred. It owes its name to Englishman H.J. Brewer, who felt the landscape across the Fraser River resembled his home county of Surrey in England.
• 1882: A regular ferry service was launched between Surrey and New Westminster, improving communication between the settlements.
• 1904: Opening of the railway bridge across the Fraser River, which connected Surrey with New Westminster and facilitated the development of the logging and agricultural industries.
• 1910: The British Columbia Electric Railway (BC Electric Railway) line reached the city, accelerating economic growth and Surrey's integration into the regional transportation network.
• 1937: The Pattullo Bridge was built, significantly simplifying access to Vancouver and Burnaby. This event served as a catalyst for Surrey's transformation into a suburban residential area.
• 1940: Construction of the King George Highway was completed, further improving transportation accessibility and contributing to population growth during the war and post-war years.
• 1950s: Surrey established its status as a "bedroom community," as many of its residents began commuting daily to Vancouver and Burnaby for work.
• 1980s and 1990s: A period of unprecedented population growth driven by an influx of migrants from various parts of Canada and Asian countries.
• 1993: On September 11, Surrey officially received city status.
• 1994: The SkyTrain rapid transit line was extended to Surrey, fundamentally changing the transportation system and encouraging the development of the city center.
• 2000s: Active development of urban centers such as Newton, Guildford, and Fleetwood, and continued rapid population growth, which made Surrey the second-largest city in British Columbia.

Key Stages of Development: From Agricultural Land to Metropolis

Surrey's development is a story of rapid transformation that turned it from scattered agricultural communities into one of Canada's largest and most dynamic cities. Here are the main milestones that defined its modern character.

• Transportation Revolution (1930s – 1940s): The opening of the Pattullo Bridge (1937) and the construction of the King George Highway (1940) were turning points. These projects provided the first reliable road connections to New Westminster and Vancouver, laying the foundation for Surrey's future growth as a major suburb.
• Post-war Demographic Boom (1950s – 1970s): In the post-war years, Surrey experienced explosive population growth, becoming a "bedroom community" for those working in Vancouver or Burnaby. Affordable housing and large lots attracted many families, leading to active development and the formation of a classic suburban landscape.
• Wave of Immigration and Cultural Diversity (Since the 1980s): Starting in the 1980s, the city became a major hub for immigrants from around the world, particularly from South Asia. This process fundamentally changed Surrey's cultural and demographic makeup, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the country.
• Arrival of the SkyTrain (1990s): The extension of the SkyTrain rapid transit line to Surrey in the 1990s was a powerful catalyst for urbanization. This not only improved transportation accessibility but also stimulated the development of high-rise buildings and commercial real estate around stations, especially in the area known today as City Centre.
• Granting of City Status (1993): Officially attaining city status in 1993 was a recognition of its significant growth and increased role in the region. This formal act symbolized the transition from a collection of individual settlements to a single, large urban entity.
• Creating a New Urban Center (Since the 2000s): The 21st century saw the purposeful formation of a modern downtown in the Surrey Central (Whalley) area. The construction of a new City Hall, an iconic library, university campuses, and numerous residential skyscrapers is transforming this district into a full-fledged second business and cultural center for Metro Vancouver.

The architectural landscape of Surrey is a visual history of its rapid transformation from a collection of rural settlements into a modern urban center. Unlike older cities, you won't find Gothic or Baroque styles here; its development is a chronicle of 20th and 21st-century architecture.

From Agricultural Buildings to Suburbia (Early to Mid-20th Century)

Surrey's early construction was typical of an agricultural region: simple farmhouses, barns, and small commercial buildings, particularly in the historic heart of Cloverdale. Following World War II, with the construction of bridges and highways, the city experienced a suburbanization boom. This period defined the look of much of Surrey for decades to come: the dominant style became North American modernism in its suburban form—single-family homes, often in the "ranch" style, with large lots and a focus on car travel.

Formation of a New Urban Center (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)

The revolution in Surrey's urban planning began with the arrival of the SkyTrain in the 1990s and the adoption of a strategy to create a full-fledged urban core in the Whalley area, now known as Surrey City Centre. This period can be characterized as an era of postmodernism and contemporary high-rise construction. Multi-story residential complexes, office buildings, and public spaces began to be actively built around transit hubs, marking a transition from a "bedroom community" model to a polycentric metropolis.

Iconic Landmarks of Contemporary Architecture

Today's architectural image of Surrey is shaped by several key buildings that have become symbols of its renewal:

• Surrey City Centre Library: Opened in 2011, this work by architect Bing Thom is a striking example of sculptural modernism. Its dynamic, curved concrete walls and extensive glazing create not just a repository for books, but an open public space full of light and air. The building received international recognition and became a catalyst for the architectural development of the city center.
• New Surrey City Hall: Along with the library and the Simon Fraser University (SFU) campus, the City Hall building forms the core of the new civic and administrative center. Its modern design, utilizing glass and wood, reflects principles of openness and environmental sustainability.
• High-rise Complexes: Numerous residential and commercial towers have risen around SkyTrain stations, forming Surrey's new urban skyline and demonstrating the move toward higher density development.

Prominent Figures Connected to Surrey

The city of Surrey, one of the largest in British Columbia, has been the birthplace or home to many well-known Canadians. Listed below are some of those who have left their mark on sports, culture, and public life.

• Margaret Trudeau (née Sinclair) — A public figure, author, and former wife of Canada's 15th Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, as well as the mother of current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Although born in Vancouver, her family moved to the area, and her formative years were spent here.
• Brenden Dillon — A professional ice hockey defenseman playing in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born and raised in Surrey, he worked his way up from local youth hockey to the major leagues, playing for teams such as the Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, and Washington Capitals.
• Colin Fraser — A former Canadian professional ice hockey player and center. He was born in Surrey and won the Stanley Cup twice during his career: in 2010 with the Chicago Blackhawks and in 2012 with the Los Angeles Kings.
• Adam Loewen — A professional baseball pitcher and outfielder. Born in Surrey, he represented Canada in international competitions, including the World Baseball Classic, and played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays.
• Daniel Wesley — A Canadian musician, singer, and guitarist known for his style that blends rock and reggae. He grew up in neighboring Brookswood and is often associated with the Surrey music scene, where he has performed frequently, including at Canada Day celebrations. His single "Ooo Ohh" became one of the most popular tracks on regional radio.
• Scott Hannan — A former NHL defenseman. Raised in Surrey, he spent 16 seasons in the league, the majority of which were with the San Jose Sharks. Hannan also represented Team Canada, winning the World Cup of Hockey in 2004.
• Nolan Watson — A Canadian businessman and philanthropist born in Surrey in 1979. At the age of 26, he became the youngest Chief Financial Officer of a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Watson is the founder of Sandstorm Gold and the humanitarian organization Nations Cry.