Surrey Libraries to Celebrate Grand Opening of Newcomer Welcome Centre

Posted by ReyFort Media

Surrey, BC — Surrey Libraries is proud to announce the grand opening of its Newcomer Welcome Centre (NWC), a dedicated space designed to foster inclusion, support, and community for newcomers in Surrey. The celebration will take place on:

Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Surrey Libraries – City Centre branch (Fourth Floor)
10350 University Drive, Surrey, BC
Pay parking available beneath City Hall plaza

Event Agenda

Indigenous Welcome Ceremony: Featuring drumming by Donovan Sylvester and welcoming words and prayers from Elder Richard Pierre of the Katzie First Nation.

• Remarks:
  • Her Worship, Mayor Brenda Locke
  • Surrey Libraries Chair of the Board of Trustees, Tanveer Sohal
  • Iris Solorzano, Program Manager – Immigrant Services Division, Options Community Resources Society
  • Personal story by newcomer, Baari.
• Ribbon Cutting: Official opening of the Newcomer Welcome Centre.
• Community Art Project: Visitors are invited to write words of welcome or hope for newcomers on leaves that will be added to a tree mural that will adorn the Newcomer Welcome Centre.

The Newcomer Welcome Centre is a strategic initiative aligned with Surrey Libraries’ commitment to serving the city’s diverse population. The Centre will offer dedicated support, resources and programming tailored to meet the unique needs of immigrant communities. (surreylibraries.ca )

Council to review major updates to the City Centre Plan

Surrey, B.C. – At tonight’s Council meeting, staff are seeking endorsement of the City Centre Plan updates, including the continued support of developing an entertainment district and alignment with Provincial housing legislation. The City Centre Plan has undergone several updates since its completion in 2017 which have shaped this area as a destination for jobs, entertainment, and tourism.

“I am looking forward to hearing about the updates from staff on the City Centre Plan area,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “The transformation of City Centre from the evolving skyline to becoming an education destination is remarkable. Yet we still have more work to do – increasing the housing supply, providing space for more education opportunities, and the addition of an entertainment district will reaffirm Surrey’s position as a place to work, learn, and play.”

Several key updates will be presented at the Council meeting tonight, including:

• A concept plan for the new entertainment district detailing the proposed location on City-owned land adjacent to the Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre at Tom Binne Park. The proposed entertainment district includes:
  • A 10,000-seat arena to host sports events, concerts, and various community events
  • Approximately 100,000 square feet of commercial space
  • A hotel with ballroom, meeting, and conference facilities
  • A galleria (enclosed promenade) joining the arena with commercial development
• An updated City Centre Plan to support the delivery of housing through transit-oriented development and simplifying the land use framework by consolidating 22 land use designations down to eight.
• Results from public consultation that occurred in July 2024 and July-September 2025 through a survey, an open house, and online engagement.
• Recommendation to approve contract award to Stantec Architecture for prime consultant services related to the design and construction of Phase One of Centre Block. This is a joint venture with Simon Fraser University.

The updates and recommendations to be shared with Council tonight reflect the changes that are underway for the City Centre community. The growing needs of the community and significant development is shaping this area into a vibrant downtown and a thriving community for residents.

For more information and to stay up to date on the City Centre Plan, visit surrey.ca/citycentre.