Petition Summary:

We, the undersigned, urge the City of Surrey, the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC), and the Province of British Columbia to approve the removal of land at  Fraser Hwy Master Planned community, Fleetwood, from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). This land has never been farmed, has poor soil conditions, and is ideally suited for a sustainable master-planned community that will provide affordable housing, create jobs, and foster long-term economic growth, while also supporting local farmers and the agricultural community.

Comprehensive Benefits for Removing the Land from the ALR:

1.     Never Been Farmed:

 The land has never been actively used for agricultural purposes, showing that it is not a productive agricultural asset and does not contribute to food security or farming in the region.

2.     Poor Soil Conditions:

 The land's soil is unsuitable for farming, with poor fertility and challenging terrain, making agriculture impractical. This aligns with similar cases where underutilized ALR lands have been successfully re-designated.

3.     Vacant for an Extended Period:

  The land has remained vacant with no interest from the farming community, demonstrating that it is not serving its intended ALR purpose. Its release would unlock its potential to contribute to Surrey’s housing and economic needs.

4.     Supporting Local Farmers and Agriculture:

 Farmers' Market Initiative: We are committed to supporting the farming community by creating a Farmers' Market on the property. This market will allow local farmers to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and other produce directly to the community, promoting locally grown food and reducing transportation costs.

Agricultural Contributions: In addition to the market, we will make financial contributions to programs that help lower food costs in Surrey. By supporting local farmers through these initiatives, we aim to reduce the overall cost of fresh food, making it more affordable for families in the city.

Preservation of Agricultural Traditions: While the land itself is unsuitable for farming, we are committed to preserving the agricultural heritage of Surrey by supporting sustainable agricultural practices and providing a platform for farmers to thrive within an urban community.

5.     Alignment with Corporate Report R088 (2023):

   The City of Surrey’s Corporate Report R088 supports the release of underutilized ALR lands, especially those with poor agricultural viability. This land fits within that category and would benefit from development that aligns with Surrey’s growth and transit-oriented goals.

6.     Strategic Location for Development:

The land is strategically located near the SkyTrain extension and the newly designated Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC5). Developing this land as a transit-oriented community supports Surrey’s housing needs and broader economic development.

7.     Housing and Economic Growth:

  Releasing this land from the ALR would help address Surrey’s housing crisis by providing affordable and diverse residential options. The mixed-use community will also include commercial spaces, community amenities, and opportunities for local businesses, supporting economic growth in the region.

8.     Proximity to SkyTrain OMC5:

 Located across from the OMC5 site, this land is ideally suited for transit-oriented development, reducing traffic congestion, encouraging public transit use, and aligning with sustainable urban growth.

9.     Support for Provincial Housing Goals:

 The BC government has emphasized the need for increasing the housing supply. This project supports those goals by developing much-needed housing in a strategic location near transit infrastructure.

10. Job Creation and Economic Benefits:

Developing this land will create numerous jobs during construction and in the long-term through retail, hospitality, and community services. It will help boost Surrey’s economy and attract further investment to the region.

11.Environmental and Social Benefits:

The project will incorporate green building technologies and energy-efficient infrastructure while creating public parks, community centers, and green spaces that improve residents’ quality of life.

12.Historical Precedent for ALR Land Removal:

The OMC5 site was removed from the ALR within five weeks, setting a precedent for similarly situated land. Given the strategic importance and proximity of this land, it should follow a similar expedited process.

13.Agricultural and Urban Integration:

This project is designed to bridge the gap between urban and agricultural interests by integrating agricultural spaces like the Farmers' Market within the community. This will provide consistent support to local farmers, offering them a permanent venue for selling produce, while also engaging urban residents with the farming community.

14.Soil and Fill Use Application:

The previous Soil and Fill Use Application supporting a hydroponic vertical farming system highlights the land’s unsuitability for traditional farming, further reinforcing the case for its removal from the ALR.

Contribution to Community Transportation:

We will provide community shuttles to transport residents to the new Cloverdale hospital, enhancing healthcare access for the community. Additionally, we will contribute shuttles to the airport, further boosting connectivity and making Surrey a more desirable destination for both residents and visitors.

Health, Wellness, and Community Amenities:
In addition to housing and commercial spaces, the community will feature recreational facilities, community centers, and healthcare access points. Our master-planned community prioritizes the well-being of its residents, ensuring access to essential services and quality amenities.

How You Can Help:

Sign the Petition: Your signature will help demonstrate widespread community support for this transformative project.

Share the Petition: Spread the word by sharing this petition with friends, family, and community groups.

The more signatures we collect, the stronger our case will be.

Stay Informed: Follow project updates to stay engaged in how we are building a better, more sustainable future for Surrey.

Call to Action:

By signing this petition, you support the removal of this underutilized land from the ALR, enabling the development of a sustainable master-planned community that will provide affordable housing, create jobs, and boost Surrey’s economy while supporting local farmers and making fresh food more affordable for all residents.

Together, we can build a better future for Surrey!