🔥 Surrey's $600 New Arena, 187 Regulation Cuts & 2 Big Traffic Projects

Learn about local changes in the Fraser Valley area that impact the value of your home and lifestyle!

Happy Thursday!

Happy Halloween—almost. 👻

If you’re still chasing one last spooky thrill before the pumpkins vanish, Surrey’s got you covered with haunted forests, eerie train rides, and a few family-friendly picks, too.

Meanwhile, downtown’s future is taking shape with a massive new 10,000-seat arena and entertainment hub on the way.

Down south, long-awaited highway upgrades promise smoother drives and fewer bottlenecks.

And province-wide, B.C. just slashed nearly 200 outdated rules to help businesses move faster and grow stronger.

Plenty brewing this month! Let’s get into it 👇🏻

— Scott

🎃 Still Hunting for One Last
Halloween Thrill?

Surrey’s still got a few spooky (and not-so-spooky) adventures before the pumpkins disappear!

Here’s what’s still happening this week:

Take a haunted ride through Bear Creek’s dark forest filled with creepy characters, eerie effects, and jump scares that’ll make you scream! Featuring live actors, including Chainsaw Charlie, plus snacks, photo ops, and an unforgettable night of thrills. Recommended for ages 12+.
📍 Location: Bear Creek Park Train, Surrey
📅 Date & Time: Oct 10 – Nov 2, 6pm – 10pm
🎟️ Tickets: $17.50
🌐 Website: www.bctrains.com/halloween-scream-train

Step inside Metro Vancouver’s most terrifying haunted house experience! Face five back-to-back haunted attractions, nightly performances, and spooky snacks. For a milder scare, Horrors Junior offers a family-friendly version with no loud noises or live actors.
📍 Location: Cougar Creek Garden Centre, 12530 72 Ave, Surrey
📅 Date & Time: Oct 3 – Nov 8, 7pm - 10pm
🎟️ Tickets: Price varies (tickets are $5 less after 9pm)
🌐 Website: https://cougarcreekhouseofhorrors.com

Hop on the festive Pumpkin Train for a daytime ride through Bear Creek’s autumn forest. Pick your perfect pumpkin, do crafts, and capture cute fall photos, perfect for families with young kids. This includes: a train ride through the decorated forest, treat, pumpkin, and crafts.
📍 Location: Bear Creek Park Train, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
📅 Date & Time: Oct 1 – 31, 10am - 5pm
🎟️ Tickets: $12
🌐 Website: https://www.bctrains.com

Wander through a creative display of 60+ themed scarecrows, explore the undercover pumpkin patch, and enjoy live music, food trucks, and weekend festivities. Grab a Scarecrow Kit to bring the fall spirit home.
📍 Location: Arts Nursery, 8940 192 St, Surrey
📅 Date & Time: Sept 20 – Oct 31, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: By donation
🌐 Website: https://www.clover.com/arts-nursery-ltd-surrey

🏟️ Surrey Council Gives Green Light to New Arena and Entertainment Hub

Driving the news: Surrey City Council has approved updates to its City Centre Plan, including a proposal to build a 10,000-seat arena within a new entertainment district.

Details: The district would rise next to Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre and include:

  • A new arena

  • 100,000 square feet of commercial space

  • A hotel

  • A public galleria

Supporters on the council emphasized the project’s potential to revitalize downtown with restaurants, retail, high-rises, and foot traffic. Construction on the arena is expected to begin in 2027.

Why it matters: For a city approaching a population of 723,000, Surrey’s push to grow its urban core signals a move toward more livable, self-sustaining neighborhoods.

A vibrant entertainment hub could attract visitors from across the region, create local jobs, and support small businesses, boosting Surrey’s economy without asking residents to travel elsewhere for big events.

The big picture: While the plan has strong support, some councillors raised financial concerns. Coun. Mike Bose and Coun. Linda Annis opposed the arena’s cost, warning of a potential $600 million taxpayer burden.

Mayor Brenda Locke argued that continual resistance to infrastructure projects will hold the city back. "We are building the next modern city," she said, framing the arena as part of that vision.

What’s next: Annis called for a public vote in 2026 to determine if residents back the investment.

Detailed cost estimates and funding plans are likely to surface ahead of the 2026 municipal election, where the arena could become a major campaign issue.

Want to know more about it? CLICK HERE→

🚧 South Surrey Gears Up for Major
Traffic Relief

Driving the news: Surrey Council has greenlit detailed planning for the 24 Avenue and Highway 99 Interchange Ramps project, a long-anticipated move to tackle growing traffic demands in South Surrey.

Details:

  • The project, in partnership with the Province of B.C., introduces northbound on/off ramps to Highway 99.

  • It’s designed to ease congestion and improve flow as new housing and business developments rise.

  • A proposed Costco store at 164 Street and 20 Avenue also cleared early approval stages. A public hearing is set for November.

  • Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the 20 Avenue Overpass, with construction expected to begin in January 2026. The overpass will include two vehicle lanes each way and a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.

Why it matters: South Surrey is one of the region’s fastest-growing areas, and infrastructure hasn’t kept pace.

These new road projects are a step toward safer commutes, better business access, and fewer bottlenecks for locals. New stores, homes, and jobs depend on getting this right.

What’s next:

  • The public hearing for the Costco proposal in November will determine its future.

  • Detailed designs for the Highway 99 interchange will begin shortly.

  • Utility work and prep for the 20 Avenue Overpass will continue until construction kicks off in 2026.

The bottom line: South Surrey’s rapid growth is being met with real investment in how people move. These road projects are laying the groundwork for safer commutes, stronger connections, and a city that’s ready for what comes next.

Don’t stop now! KEEP READING→

🎥 Hidden Gems of Grandview Heights Revealed!

Grandview Heights in South Surrey is growing fast with new homes, schools, shops, and even talk of a Costco. Join me for a driving tour to see the real estate options and why so many are moving here.

🧾 B.C. Government Trims Rules and
Clears the Path for Growth

Driving the news: B.C. is rolling out 187 changes across 38 regulations in 10 ministries to help businesses move faster, cut through red tape, and get better access to government services.

Details: The amendments, part of the Better Regulations for British Columbians initiative, include updates like:

  • Permitting relief: Small private water systems and forestry activities no longer need complex permit processes.

  • Simplified soil rules: Over 1,200 gravel pits and quarries can now relocate soil without submitting a 7-day notice if the sites are already deemed clean.

  • Decal clarity: Retailers selling tobacco and vape products now follow one unified decal standard, making compliance and consumer understanding easier.

  • Digital shift: Broader use of digital records and cleaner regulatory language aims to trim costs and confusion.

Why it matters: For small businesses and regional employers, these changes mean lower overhead, faster approvals, and less paperwork.

It’s a direct win for local economies, making it easier to expand services, hire faster, and deliver value to customers without unnecessary delays.

The big picture: Since 2016, the BR4BC initiative has led to over 2,000 regulatory updates.

This year's changes sharpen the focus on efficiency, inclusivity, and making provincial services easier to access, especially in areas like land use, environmental approvals, and retail compliance.

What’s next: Expect ongoing tweaks as B.C. continues to modernize outdated laws, prioritize digital transformation, and cut wait times in key sectors.

This isn’t everything… SEE ALL THE UPDATES→

📰 In Other News:

📊 Current Market Snapshots:

That’s all for today, I hope you have an amazing week!

If there’s ever anything you need:

  • a custom market or home value report

  • a home services list for a reliable contractor or services professional

  • feedback or a professional opinion on a home project

Just let me know! We’re here to help with all your home needs.

Talk soon,

Scott with the Moe Team