FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
SURREY, BC — Mike Starchuk today unveiled the Surrey Waterfront District: a new neighbourhood on the Fraser River in Brownsville and South Westminster, steps from Scott Road Station, that gives the largest city on the river a front door to it. A public quay and riverwalk, a market hall, an outdoor amphitheatre, a technology and jobs centre, and a landmark that says SURREY to every train crossing the bridge. Starchuk and Imagine Surrey also revealed that the new district would host a future “Commonwealth Village” as part of Imagine Surrey’s plan to bid for the 2034 or 2038 Commonwealth Games, if elected.
Surrey has 20 kilometres of Fraser River frontage but limited public access. New Westminster built its Quay. North Vancouver rebuilt its Shipyards. The Waterfront District and Commonwealth Village will be planned in stages: the quay and riverwalk first, the market and amphitheatre second, and housing with community amenities throughout.
“Stand at Scott Road Station and look at the river. That view belongs to Surrey and nobody has ever done anything with it,” said Starchuk. “New West did. North Van did. We have more waterfront than both. It’s time to stop making excuses and start realizing the potential of our Fraser River waterfront.”
An Imagine Surrey council will bring a Waterfront District master plan to council, with phased delivery and public reporting.
“I live in Surrey Centre, ten minutes from a river most of my neighbours have never stood beside,” said Narima Dela Cruz, Imagine Surrey council candidate and founder of SPIDS. “A quay, a market, and somewhere to bring your family on a Sunday. That is what a city centre with a waterfront does.”
“Surrey is done being the place people drive through. With Imagine Surrey we will become the destination” said Starchuk. “This October, put out the fire at City Hall and elect a team that will give Surrey its front door on the Fraser.”
Imagine Surrey is committed to smart investments that make Surrey the City of Champions. This initiative is part of Imagine Surrey’s commitment to bid for the World Police & Fire Games, and to use that bid as a bid for the 2034 or 2038 Commonwealth Games. Yesterday, Imagine Surrey announced its plans for a cricket and rugby stadium as part of the bid. Imagine Surrey’s full platform will be released over the coming weeks.
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About Imagine Surrey
Imagine Surrey is a civic party running a full slate of candidates in the October 17, 2026 municipal election. Led by mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk – a former firefighter and Chief Fire Prevention Officer, former City Councillor, and former MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale – Imagine Surrey is committed to making Surrey the City of Champions by delivering: safe streets, fast commutes, smart investments, lower costs, and strong services.
Council candidates: Yousef Aldabainah-Barakat, Chandan Chahal, Perminder Chohan, Narima Dela Cruz, Ashiyana Hanif, William Li, Dr. Margaret Mubanda, and Kevin Wilkie.
Contact
Trevor Loke, Campaign Manager
604-838-5178
[email protected] / [email protected]