Surrey Council’s Big Vote: Zoning Change for Hospital Growth

 What’s on Surrey Council’s Agenda

On Monday, Surrey City Council will cast a decisive vote on zoning and access-road amendments aimed at paving the way for expansions at Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH) and the upcoming Cloverdale Hospital. 

These amendments are meant to ensure land-use rules and road access are updated so that both hospitals and the surrounding medical precincts can grow smoothly as planned. 

What the Changes Involve

• The zoning changes will adjust land-use designations to support medical facilities, supporting services, and possible ancillary development around hospital sites.
  
• The access-work component involves updating roads and infrastructure to ensure adequate transport and access for patients, staff and emergency services once expansion is underway.
  

With these updates, the city aims to align urban planning with the growing demand for healthcare services, especially as Cloverdale Hospital construction proceeds.

Why This Vote Matters for Surrey Residents

Residents and stakeholders say this vote could unlock smoother hospital development meaning better access to care, expanded services, and potentially quicker implementation of the long-awaited Cloverdale hospital project.

Moreover, updating zoning and infrastructure early can prevent later bottlenecks in supporting services (medical offices, clinics, housing for staff, transport, etc.), smoothing growth around new hospital precincts.

What Could Happen Next

If council approves the changes:

• The city staff will begin implementing the updated zoning and infrastructure plans.
  
• This would clear regulatory paths for Cloverdale Hospital and expansions at SMH.
  
• Over time, the surrounding neighbourhoods could see supportive development: clinics, transport improvements, housing for healthcare workers, and other services.
  

If council rejects or delays the vote the expansion plans may face regulatory or logistical roadblocks, possibly slowing down hospital completion and affect associated community benefits.

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