Surrey Begins Demolition for New 10,000-Seat Arena as Critics Question Deal
Lucas Tremblay
9/11/20262 min read
Demolition has begun on the downtown Surrey site where the city plans to build a new 10,000-seat arena, marking the first physical step in one of the municipality’s largest development projects.
Mayor Brenda Locke took part in Thursday’s demolition event, helping tear into the former Safeway building that currently occupies the site.
“This is an exciting step forward for one of the most significant city-building projects in Surrey's history,” Locke said.
The arena is expected to serve as the centrepiece of a broader sports and entertainment district that will also include a luxury hotel, conference space and housing.
Project Estimated to Cost $360M
The project has an estimated net cost of $360 million.
Surrey is funding part of the development through its five-year budget, including a $198-million investment.
The city also exchanged three municipally owned properties, valued at approximately $116 million in total, with Wesgroup Properties as part of the development arrangement.
City officials say the project is intended to create a major sports and entertainment hub in one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing municipalities.
The Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants, currently based at the Langley Events Centre, are expected to become the arena’s anchor tenant once construction is complete.
City Projects Billions in Economic Benefits
Surrey estimates the development will generate approximately $2.4 billion in economic benefits over the next decade.
The city also says the project could create about 2,700 jobs across the region.
Michael Bublé joined Locke at Thursday’s event to mark the start of demolition.
“This is going to be a huge addition to the community,” Bublé said.
“I think [there will be] a lot of unforgettable nights, not only for Surrey, or for B.C., but for Canada.”
Bublé said his experience performing in arenas over a career spanning roughly three decades has shown him how major entertainment venues can shape a community.
He said the new Surrey arena could become part of residents’ memories for years to come.
Political Opponents Criticize Project
The arena has also become an issue in Surrey’s municipal political debate.
Imagine Surrey described the development in a Tuesday news release as a “deal done in the dark, on land the city overpaid for.”
Party mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk said he supports the idea of an arena but questioned how and where the current project is proceeding.
He said he would have built an arena “in the right place at the right time.”
Starchuk also said his party would make its commitments in writing so residents could “hold us to every word.”
Development Corporation Backs Investment
The Surrey City Development Corporation has defended the project as a long-term investment in the city.
“This project represents an important investment in Surrey's future, creating a facility that will generate lasting economic, cultural, sport and community benefits for residents and the broader region,” said president and CEO Bill Aujla.
Demolition and site preparation represent the first phase of construction.
The arena and surrounding development are currently expected to be completed in 2030.
Until then, the Vancouver Giants will continue playing their home games at the Langley Events Centre.
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