Surrey council approves zoning updates for SMH expansion and Cloverdale Hospital access, aiming to fast-track healthcare projects and improve community connectivity.
Surrey Prepares for Major Hospital Expansion
Surrey is gearing up for a significant boost to its healthcare infrastructure. On December 1, the city council approved zoning amendments to pave the way for the future expansion of Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH) and transportation improvements supporting the new Cloverdale Hospital and BC Cancer Centre.
While plans for a second tower at SMH, first announced in spring 2023, are moving forward, the provincial government has yet to provide a timeline for its construction.
Zoning Changes Aim to Fast-Track Development
According to Ron Gill, Surrey’s general manager of planning and development, the zoning amendments at 13750 – 96 Ave. are designed to expedite future SMH expansion. Council approved the bylaws at second reading and scheduled a public hearing for January 12.
Gill explained that the exact details for SMH’s expansion “have not been fully determined at this time,” but the new zoning will allow for flexible planning without needing future rezoning, streamlining development when construction begins.
Councillor Harry Bains expressed frustration over the delay, noting that “two-and-a-half years after the provincial announcement, we still don’t have a timeline for the second tower.” Gill confirmed that city discussions with Fraser Health remain “high level,” but the amendments provide the city with maximum flexibility for future hospital projects.
Key Zoning Adjustments
The council-approved changes include:
- Allowing multiple residential units without mandatory commercial space
- Removing floor area ratio limits
- Increasing lot coverage from 75% to 90%
- Raising maximum building height from 5 meters to 120 meters
“These changes give us the flexibility to accommodate a variety of projects in the future,” Gill said. Mayor Brenda Locke described the amendments as “forward-thinking, proactive, and a clear demonstration of urgency.”
Cloverdale Hospital Access Gets a Boost
Meanwhile, Surrey is also moving forward with Cloverdale Hospital, currently under construction at 5500 – 180 St. near Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Scheduled for completion in 2030, the facility will offer:
- 168 inpatient beds
- 5 operating rooms
- 55-space emergency department
- 54 chemotherapy treatment spaces
- 6 radiation therapy units
- 50 examination rooms
City staff, led by Scott Neuman, Surrey’s general manager of engineering, outlined transportation upgrades that will ensure safe, efficient access for patients, staff, and visitors. Plans include road and intersection improvements, multi-use pathways, and enhanced public transit connections.
Community-Friendly Connectivity
The city plans to create walking- and cycling-friendly routes, linking the hospital to nearby bus services and, potentially, a direct connection to the 184 Street Surrey Langley SkyTrain Station. On-site, the hospital will have 730 parking spaces and 190 nearby street parking spots, complemented by a parking management plan and coordination with TransLink.
Mayor Locke highlighted the hospital’s design as “walkable and integrated,” reflecting a broader effort to ensure that Surrey’s healthcare infrastructure is accessible, safe, and connected.
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