Surrey’s Sunshine Co-op Adds 69 Affordable Housing Units Downtown
In a major win for affordable housing in Surrey, a brand-new Sunshine Housing Co-op has opened its doors in the heart of the city. The six-storey wood-frame building, located at 13225 104 Avenue, delivers 69 much-needed homes, backed by a $12.5 million investment from BC Housing and nearly $2.8 million worth of land from the City of Surrey. Monthly housing charges range widely—starting at $445 for a studio to approximately $3,000 for larger family units, based on household income.
This development replaces the previous Sunshine Housing Co-op site on 133 Street. Of the total, 39 households have already moved in from the old location. The original co-op land is now being redeveloped by the Surrey City Development Corporation (SCDC), aiming to create 1,800 new homes next to the Gateway SkyTrain Station.
‘Everyone Matters’: Mayor Locke on Inclusive Living
At Friday’s grand opening, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke emphasized the project’s significance. “This project exemplifies our collective commitment to creating a more inclusive and vibrant community,” she said. “It’s a city where everyone—everyone—matters.” The redevelopment not only replaces the old facility but also expands capacity, adding 30 new homes. With a total of 69 units, it supports diverse incomes and household sizes, reflecting a strong move toward balanced urban living.
Built on Collaboration and Vision
Thom Armstrong, CEO of the Community Land Trust, hailed the project as the result of years of work and collaboration. “This really is an example of what can happen when a municipality gets it right,” Armstrong noted during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Meanwhile, SCDC CEO Michael Heeney shared the corporation’s broader goals. “We focus on impactful projects that might not get built otherwise—ones that need both public and private partners,” he said. Heeney also revealed that Sunshine’s former site is undergoing consolidation and rezoning. The aim? A large-scale residential complex that could support approximately 1,800 new homes, dramatically scaling up housing potential in the area.
Deep Roots, Broader Reach
Sunshine Housing Co-op’s new development not only provides physical shelter but also represents a model of inclusive urban growth. It’s a testament to what public investment, municipal leadership, and smart partnerships can achieve together. As housing challenges grow across the region, projects like these set a high bar for affordable, accessible living spaces that meet a broad range of needs.
Stay tuned to Surrey Speak for the stories that shape our city.
