South Surrey residents voice serious concerns about a proposed 260-unit complex-care housing project, citing drug use, safety, and lack of public consultation.
Surrey, B.C. A proposed 260-unit housing development in South Surrey has ignited strong opposition from local residents, who worry that the plan for complex-care and supportive housing won’t adequately address drug dependency and public safety.
What’s the Plan and Why Are People Worried?
The development, a collaboration between BC Housing, the City of Surrey, and Fraser Health, aims to build:
- 200 affordable rental units
- 40 supportive-housing studio units
- 20 complex-care studio units
But residents aren’t convinced. At a recent press conference, they voiced fears about the inclusion of substance-use services even hard-drug use in the facility.
One major concern? Proximity to schools and parks. The proposed site lies just:
- 700 metres from Jessie Lee Elementary
- 900 metres from H.T. Thrift School and White Rock Christian
- Over 1 km from White Rock Elementary and other secondary schools
There’s also Bakerview Park (a children’s playground) just 200 metres away raising safety fears.
Beyond location worries, residents are demanding clarity on how the facility will manage addiction. Who will patrol the area? How will drug paraphernalia be handled? What rehabilitation services will be offered for residents dealing with dependency?
Experts and Local Voices Call for More Safeguards
Education and health professionals are urging BC Housing and the city to build in more concrete safeguards. According to one local letter writer:
“We need medical services, employment assistance, mental health counseling and rehab not just a place to stay.”
Some residents argue that without these supports, the development could simply enable addictive behavior rather than promote recovery.
Transparency & Community Input Are Key
A big part of the backlash stems from what critics describe as a lack of public consultation. Despite the scale and sensitivity of the project, locals say they haven’t been properly heard.
Moreover, critics are calling on Surrey Council and BC Housing to hold a public hearing before moving forward, to allow for meaningful community engagement.
Housing Needs vs. Neighborhood Impact
Defenders of the plan argue it’s part of a broader effort to address Surrey’s housing crisis. The city is exceeding provincial housing targets and has already approved thousands of new units.
But for many South Surrey residents, the question is not just about building more homes it’s about building responsibly. They say that without adequate supports and safeguards, the proposed complex-care housing could do more harm than good.
What’s Next?
- Local advocacy groups are preparing to bring their concerns to council again, pushing for clearer protections and increased transparency.
- City officials and BC Housing will have to decide whether to revise the plan or improve the proposed care-services model to win broader community support.
Residents are calling for ongoing monitoring, including how drug use is managed, how safety is ensured, and how recovery-oriented services are delivered not just housing.
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