Surrey is preparing to add a major piece to its housing puzzle — 430 new rental units on city-owned land in Whalley, with a commitment to include below-market homes.
Mayor Brenda Locke described the development as “really good news for Surrey… this is great housing.”
The proposal, presented by city manager Rob Costanzo, would see the City of Surrey negotiate with Apcon Group for the design, construction, and long-term operation of the project at 10975 126A Street.
According to the preliminary design package, two wood-frame buildings will rise on top of a shared concrete podium. Of the 430 units, about 30% will be below-market rentals — including 36 studios and 26 one-bedroom apartments fully reserved for affordable housing. The rest include one-bedroom plus dens and two-bedroom units at market value.
The timeline aims for occupancy by late 2028 or early 2029. Once completed, Surrey is expected to receive 10% of gross annual rental revenue, roughly $1 million per year beginning in 2029.
This project signals more than just new housing. It reflects a growing shift: cities taking a more direct role in tackling affordability. Whalley, long considered a neighbourhood in transition, is now positioned to become a center for accessible housing options.
The bigger question for Surrey residents is whether such developments can keep pace with the city’s rapid growth. With the population swelling, these 430 units — while significant — may only scratch the surface of demand. Still, it marks a notable move by the city to balance market realities with social needs.
