Surrey youth share priorities for housing, transit, safety, and opportunities, highlighting what the city’s next generation wants for its future.
A Growing Chorus for Change
At a recent community forum in Surrey, dozens of young residents gathered to share their priorities for the city’s future. From affordable housing to better public spaces, the voices of Surrey’s next generation are shaping a vision for what Canada’s fastest-growing city should look like.
What Young Residents Are Asking For
Participants pointed to accessible housing, safe neighbourhoods, reliable transit, and job opportunities as their top concerns. Many emphasized the need for policies that support affordability, noting that high rents and limited housing supply make it difficult for young people to build their lives in Surrey.
When Their Concerns Were Raised
The conversation unfolded during a youth-led consultation series held this summer, organized by local community groups and supported by city officials. The sessions provided a platform for residents aged 15 to 29 to openly share their experiences and ideas.
Where Priorities Take Root
Surrey’s unique demographics play a key role in shaping these priorities. As one of Canada’s youngest cities, with nearly one-third of residents under 30, the calls for investment in education, recreation, and employment carry significant weight in determining future policy directions.
Why Youth Perspectives Matter
City planners and councillors argue that engaging youth is essential to creating sustainable policies. Decisions on housing, infrastructure, and economic growth will disproportionately affect younger generations, making their input critical for long-term planning.
How Surrey May Respond
Feedback from the consultation is expected to inform upcoming municipal strategies, including the city’s Official Community Plan review. Officials say the insights gathered will help ensure Surrey’s development reflects the needs of its growing and diverse youth population.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
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