surrey kids

End of the year, beginning of another

As we approach the end of 2018, I want to first thank my clients and others of you who have been my regular readers throughout the year. In addition to my monthly newsletter on real estate market activity in the Lower Mainland, it has been a pleasure to provide you with two personal blogs each month on a variety of topics normally about life in Surrey, where I live with my wife and two sons, and where I focus on my real estate business. My blog has given me the opportunity to get to research and appreciate the many amenities in Surrey that make our family life most enjoyable here, and also to provide an opportunity for the many people I meet in the course of my work to get to know me a bit better through my opinions and observations that have been expressed in this space. Among the benefits of generating a regular blog is not only for the information that readers can use in some practical way, but also as a way for me to stay involved in the life of my community and hopefully contribute, even If only in small way, to the quality of life we enjoy in our neighborhoods and in our city as a whole. I certainly hope that this will continue in the new year almost upon us.

End of my blog

When I meet anyone among my great circle of friends and acquaintances in the cafes, malls, and streets around our city I hope we will always have time to discuss the many topics that affect our dynamic and growing city. I will be looking forward to that very much because I’m afraid that the growing constraints on my time are not going to allow me to continue writing this twice-monthly missive in the new year. I will miss the opportunity to comment here as I have been doing for the past year; however, I must consider the many things that I need to attend to, and the needs of my growing list of real estate clients will be my communications priority. This means I will be continuing with my newsletter where I will analyze the changing market conditions each month, and offer advice based on market trends and a sound quantitative approach to the real estate conditions across the lower mainland. I know my clients appreciate the kind of information that I am capable of deriving from statistical data. This has been my formal educational training, and by combining it with my business experience in finance, investing and, real estate sales transactions both in residential and commercial properties, I believe this is where I can generate the greatest value for you. At the same time, I do not want to ignore the positive feedback I have received from my blog readers, particularly on civic topics of concern to Surrey residents. So, you can expect to find from time to time a commentary from me in other media as I continue to be an active and proud Surrey resident. This past year, for example, I had a commentary published by Surrey604 – a great website source of news and views about Surrey events – our famous Little League team from Whalley Sports Field that went all the to the World Little League championship in 2018. This made us all proud, and it’s the kind of event that I hope to write about when there’s an opportunity to give deserved kudos to a Surrey organization.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and also most prosperous and Happy Year. From my wife Cindy and my two sons Warren and Kingston, we send heartfelt best wishes to everyone we know and appreciate so much.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

Christmas lights and delights across the Lower Mainland

With the arrival of December everyone is getting prepared for the Christmas season. The malls are crowded, the Christmas shopping is getting into high gear, kids are clamouring for pictures with Santa, and families are preparing to get together during the holidays between Christmas and New Year’s. This year I have selected what I think are really memorable sites to see with your family this month. There are some really spectacular light shows and fun events all around the Greater Vancouver area. Here is a selection in different areas of the Lower Mainland.

Langley

For families living east of Surrey, there is Glow Christmas in Langley, which is the only major Christmas attraction in the Fraser Valley apart from some smaller attractions in Chilliwack. This indoor event started last year and is certain to inspire some Christmas joy. Located in the Milner Centre Greenhouse at 6690 216th Street I Langley. Glow Christmas features a giant light tunnel and light maze, live music and market along with all sorts of displays. It will be operating throughout December and beyond to January 19, 2019 Hours of operation are from 4 pm to 10 pm (on Saturdays opening one hour earlier). Note that it closes at 9 pm on the final six days of the season and will also be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and every Sundays.

Coquitlam

For residents in Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities area, the Lights at Lafarge is a beautiful event, and it’s free so families will certainly enjoy the evening event at Lafarge Lake in Town Centre Park at the corner of Guildford Way and Pinetree Way in Coquitlam. If you don’t want to drive, it’s easy to reach from the Lafarge-Douglas Skytrain Station. The spectacular array of lights all around the Lake should be on between 4:30 pm and 11 pm every day except New Year’s Eve, and is expected to run until mid-January.

Surrey

Starting with Surrey, I recommend the miniature train ride through the Christmas Forest at Bear Creek Park, 13750 – 88th Avenue. The Santa Express runs each day this month (except Christmas and Boxing Day) from 10 am to 4 pm. Younger children will be able to visit with Santa while waiting on the platform for the train ride, and for those who are old enough to stay up later, the Christmas Night Train will run from 6 pm to 10 pm Wednesdays to Sundays.

Burnaby

Deer Park Lake in Burnaby is a lovely place to go for walk with your family during December during the day time when it’s sunny; and an afternoon or evening stop at Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village will be a delightful occasion for everyone. It’s free at this time of year and will be open to guests until January You will certainly enjoy its festive feeling if you go in the evening when it’s brightly lit with seasonal lights.

Richmond

A bit farther south in Richmond, you can find Steveston Village’s Festival of Trees at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. This National Historic Site has decorated trees at Christmas which are truly festive. There are also artistic showcases for local community and business and craft activity for the kids is regular activity each year. Cannery National Historic Site in Richmond’s Steveston Village in December. The event runs from December 1st to 31st every day except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day from 10 am to 5 pm (although until just 2 pm on December 24th and 31st). Admission (subject to change) is: Adults $11.70; Seniors (65+) $10.05; Youth under 17 free. Admission on (Sundays) December 2nd, 9th, and 16th between 10 am and 3 pm is free and there is also the Cannery Farmers Market.

Vancouver

Heading into Vancouver, you should not miss VanDusen Botanical Garden’s festival of lights at 5151 Oak Street. This Christmas display is awe-inspiring with over 1 million lights across 15 acres of gardens. It is a wonderful attraction for the whole family, young and old, running throughout December to January 6. I the New Year. Tickets are priced differently depending on when you go and for different ages: Around $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and youth, and $12 for children ages 3-12, all plus or minus when and how you purchase your tickets.

Also in Vancouver’s Stanley Park the magical Bright Nights in Stanley Park returns every day throughout December until January 6, 2019 (except Christmas Day). This is one of the most popular places in the whole lower mainland to take children so your family is sure to love this annual event. It is open from 3 pm to 10 pm. It is located in Stanley Park just off Pipeline Road in the middle of the park. Admission is by donation, ($5.00 suggested).

Open most days during the holiday season from around 3 until 10 pm, Bright Nights probably features the most lights of any attraction in Metro Vancouver, as well as wonderful Christmas character displays and festive cheer. Of course, the miniature train is the most eagerly desired attraction for the little kids. The 12 minute ride requires a purchased ticked but is fun for all ages. If you have a very young toddler you may want to catch a matinee train during the day. The evening train is a bit more expensive but includes live performers, and the lights are spectacular.

North Vancouver

Everyone knows about the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. But do you know that throughout December to January 27th 2019. It is fantastically decorated for its Canyon Lights festivities, with lights from the canyon ground and way up above the river among the trees. This is a incredibly beautiful attraction that is well worth the trip to the North Shore if you don’t already live there. For BC residents you can get an annual pass for the price of regular admission which will let you return to this spectacular place throughout the whole year, including next years Canyon Lights event.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

Halloween Events in Surrey

Halloween is nothing if not popular. Last year in this blog space I wrote about the history of this annual celebration, which is a favourite time for scary costumes and “trick or treating” kids collecting candy with door to door visits in their neighbourhoods. As mentioned before, I like this event because it has adapted to new customs throughout many countries since its origin in ancient times. It is now a mix of popular themes from the many ideas that make up the Canadian cultural mosaic. For families with children there are special events on Halloween in areas throughout Metro Vancouver. Whatever your favourite Halloween costume or party theme might be, I’m sure you will be able to find some fun for your whole family this October 31. Here is selection of some of Surrey events to choose from:

Bear Creek Park Train

Children can enjoy the Pumpkin Express at Bear Creek Park. This little train offers a thrilling ride through a forest decorated specially for Halloween. And kids will get a small pumpkin as a treat on the platform to remember the event. If you can’t make it on Halloween, or if you want to keep that day for your own door-to-door trick or treating, you can still catch Woo Woo the train on days leading up to Halloween. enjoy. Here are dates and address: Each day leading to and including Halloween from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm at Bear Creek Park. There is a ticket price of $10. (Address below)

There is also a more frightening train ride for older children called the Scream Train at Bear Creek. On this ride you will experience Chain Saw Charlie and other ghoulish characters. The special effects and sounds along the route through the forest will be just what a thrill-seeking person is looking for on Halloween, but it’s too much for younger kids so keep in mind you have choice depending on the age of your children. Tickets for the Scream Train are $13 per person. The Scream train runs between 6:30 pm and 10 om each day leading up to and including Halloween. Bear Creek Part is at 13759 88th Avenue in Surrey. For more information online: www.bctrains.com/halloween

Potter Houses of Horror

Another Surrey favorite is Potter’s House of Horrors. Once again, these will be two haunted houses to explore. The long-time favorite, Monstrosity 2.0 will be open again with its gothic scariness. This can be a lot of fun for older kids and adults, but I wouldn’t recommend it for young toddlers who could be too frightened by the creatures inside. For youngsters under 10 years old I would recommend the L’il Haunters. However, for the very young even this might be a bit too spooky so I suggest you check it out first before taking in your very young children.

The second haunted house at Potter’s is Devil’s Descent, which opened for the first time last year. This is a more rugged design into mine shafts with rotting wood and machines, along with zombies and other scary monsters. You will need separate tickets for both haunted houses. These are available online which is recommended to avoid line-ups. The Potter Haunted Houses are also open on days leading up to and including Halloween. They are open each day from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm (this time is recommended for younger kids as it is less scary) and from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm (for the full frightening version). Located at Potters House, 12530 72nd Avenue, Surrey. You can find more details online at www.pottershouseofhorrors.com.

Not everything on Surrey’s Halloween agenda is just for kids. For teenagers and even adults there are great activities to enjoy on October 31.

Halloween for Teens

At the Surrey Centre Library from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm teens from 13 to 18 years of age are invited to the free workshop where you can explore the spooky history of Halloween’s ancient origins. This is a free event so teens can enjoy learning about Halloween before they head out for an evening’s fun on October 31.

Halloween for Adults

For older adults 55 and older, there is a Halloween Tea at the Guildford Recreation Centre on October 31 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm The cost is only $15 and will get you tea and a light lunch of soup, sandwich and treats complete with live entertainment. And don’t be shy about coming in a costume. There will be prizes for the best ones. Register online at Guildford Recreation Centre with the registration code: 4632039.

Also in the afternoon on October 31, adults 55 and older are invited to the Fleetwood Community Centre for a Halloween Costume Party. This is a costume contest so get your best ideas on and show up between noon and 2:00 pm. There will be lots of fun with halloween music, games and entertainment as well as light food and refreshments. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at Fleetwood Community Centre with registration code 4626683.

However, you choose to enjoy Halloween this year, remember that there will be young children on our streets and we need to be extra careful as we drive on October 31. Wishing everyone a safe and fun Halloween 2018.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

August Events in Surrey

Last month I provided a list of things to do in Surrey during the month of July. In this first blog for the month of August, I am doing another list for this month. Our summer weather is encouraging families with kids love to get outside and enjoy activities during the summer vacation, so here are some of Surrey’s fun activities. There are also a number of excellent musical events this month. I have listed their dates and locations for you as well.

Learn to Fish

I often select activities at Green Timbers Urban Forest. It’s one of my favourite places in North Surrey. A quiet park and a lovely lake provide a respite from the traffic and bustle of the city centre and there’s lots of room for the kids to hike or run for healthy exercise. Now there is a instructional program which is a really great activity for parents together with their children aged 5 to 15 Through the efforts of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, you can take their Learn How to Fish lesson. A two-hour session will be beheld on in the evening of August 3 from 6:00 pm to 89:00 pm. The session is great for beginners and will cover the basics of freshwater fishing including hatchery roles, fish identification, tackle, rod rigging, casting and hands-on fishing. You don’t need to come with your own rod because a fishing rods are provided. The lessons will take place rain or shine, but remember that children must be accompanied by their parents. There is no fee, but the program gratefully accepts cash donations. You can meet in Green Timbers Park at the south end of the lake where there will be a blue tent. You must, however, pre-register. Call 604-502-6065 or register online at: https://webreg.surrey.ca/webreg/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp

Fun Fridays in Surrey Parks

Surrey’s neighbourhood parks have weekly events each Friday until August 24 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. These days are called “Fun Fridays” and the activities for kids are completely free. The activities are designed for young children and each week there is a different theme. There will be special guests and surprises each Friday so your youngster will be eager to attend. Here is where the Fun Fridays are happening: August 3: Theme: Farm Life: Location: Bear Creek Park, 13820 88 Avenue, and Sunnyside Park 15455 26 Avenue.

August 10: Theme: Go Green: Location: A.J. McLellan Park, 16584 62A Avenue, and M.J. Norris Park, 6539 128A Street.

August 17: Theme: Safety: Location: Forsyth Park, 10632 139 Street, And Fun Fun Park, 1472 128 Street.

August 24: Theme: Teddy Bear Picnic: Location: Holly Park, 10706 148 Street, (You may want to bring your favorite stuffed toy.) This is the final wrap up event for the summer.

For more information you can call: 604-501-5050 or email: partnersinparks@surrey.ca

Sounds of Summer Music Series

Free musical events continue throughout August and you can enjoy a variety of music styles at these free outdoor concerts. The music ranges from Bluegrass to New Orleans Jazz all in the beautiful setting of Surrey’s parks. Bring your own folding chair and a blanket if the evening is cool. You can find the performances on the dates below at their respective locations.

August 8: David Sinclair and Keith Bennett. Roots and Blues. 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Location: Sullivan Park, 6272 152nd Street.

August 15: Flint and Feather. Rocky Mountain Folk/Pop. 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Location: Surrey Nature Centre. 14225 Green Timbers Way.

August 17: True North Troubadours. Peter, Paul and Mary Tribute/60s Folk. 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Location: Francis Park. 15951 83 Avenue.

August 22: The Wheat in the Barley. Folk Fusion/Roots. 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Location: Historic Stewart Farmhouse, 13723 Crescent Road (additional parking west of 136 St. Crescent Road)

Note: All pets must be on leash  For more information: phone 604-501-5050 or email: partnersinparks@surrey.ca

Music on the Plaza

Here is a series of musical performances that will allow you to enjoy the civic plaza at Surrey’s City hall during August. These Tuesday evening performances are free of charge and feature Jazz, Cuban, Country, and Swing music from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Here’s the performance schedule for the rest of this month:

August 7: Kutapira

August 14: Paul Filek Duo

August 21: Sean Michael Simpson Duo

August 28: Taylor Rae & the Backseat Drivers

Bring your own folding chai and perhaps a blanket to enjoy these free evening performances. For more information contact: Briana Barone at 604-591-4012 or email: BBarone@surrey.ca

Lunch and Lyrics

Another series at the Surrey City Hall civic plaza this month is the daytime concert series from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on the following Mondays

August 13 – Bruce Coughlan

August 20 – Bruce Coughlan Duo

August 27 – Beauty Shop Dolls

Bring your lunch or try one of the different food trucks that will be on hand each week.

For more information contact: Briana Barone at 604-591-4012 or email: BBarone@surrey.ca

photo via dailyhive.com

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

How to Spend July in Surrey, BC

Now that July is here and kids are out of school for the summer, it’s time again to post some of the great activities happening this month in Surrey. Our Canada Day celebration on July 1 was a super way to kick of this month and was a great success with entertainment and activities for the whole family at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre. Here are some other activities for the rest of July.

A fun way to stay cool: swimming

If you are looking for somewhere to stay cool when the July weather gets hot in Surrey there are public swimming pools which are now open until September, and they’re free! Try a pool in your area. There are great outdoor pools in all around Surrey so you won’t have to drive a long way to find one. Here’s a list of neighbourhood outdoor pools:

  • Sunnyside Outdoor Pool at 15433 – 26 Avenue in South Surrey
  • Bear Creek Outdoor Pool at 13820 – 88 Avenue in North Surrey
  • Kwantlen Outdoor Pool at 13035 – 104 Avenue in North Surrey
  • Unwin Outdoor Pool at 6845 – 133 Street in Newton
  • Greenaway Outdoor Pool at 17901 – 60 Avenue in Cloversdale
  • Hjorth Road Outdoor Pool at 10277 – 148 Street in Guildford
  • Holly Outdoor Pool at 10662 – 148 Street in Guilford
  • Port Kells Outdoor Pool at 19340 – 88 Avenue in Guildford

There are also excellent indoor pools throughout Surrey but you will need to get a recreation pass for these: Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre; North Surrey Recreation Centre; South Surrey Indoor Pool; and the Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex.

There is also a great indoor wave pool at the Newton Recreation Centre at 13730 – 72 Avenue, and thanks to sponsorship by Fortis BC sponsorship, this is a free activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Newton Days

Newton also has a special program of summer events on four Saturdays this month. July 7, 14, 21, and 28 mark the return of the second Newton Days this year. On each of these Saturdays from noon to 4:00 pm at the Newton Grove there will be a number of fun events for families to enjoy such as a farms’ market, food trucks, and a free BBQ along with lots of activities for kids like a fun zone, face painting, and a Science World demonstration. Be sure to pick up your free $5.00 Farm voucher beforehand (one customer per day) at the Newton Recreation Centre, Newton Senior Centre, Newton Library, or from the Newton BIA photo booth.

Surrey’s neighbourhood parks are also great places for families with kids to enjoy this summer. Starting July 2 and running though to August 23, each of the parks will have free sports, games, and other activities.

On July 21 at Cloverdale Youth Park and Chuck Bailey Park there will be the Surrey Rides Tournament. Whether it’s on a skateboard, scooter or bike, young riders are invited to show their skills, as well as practice, in a safe and competitive environment provided in Surrey’s various parks. The Surrey Rises event series takes place at all Surry youth parks listed here:

  • Bear Creek Park, 84 Avenue and King George Blvd.
  • Chuck Bailey Youth Park, Tom Binnie Park at 12458 197 A Avenue.
  • Cloverdale Youth Park, 17800 64 Avenue
  • Fleetwood Youth Park, 16555 Fraser Highway
  • Fraser Heights Youth Park, 10588 – 160 Avenue
  • Guildford Youth Park, 15105 – 105 Avfenue
  • Kwantlen Youth Park, 13035 – 104 Avenue
  • South Surrey Youth Park, 14601 – 20 Avenue

Nature hikes and sights

If you would prefer a connection to nature, I recommend exploring Blackie Spit Park in the Crescent Beach area of South Surrey. Here you can find birds of many kinds. As one of the best bird watching areas in Canada, there are some 200 different species throughout the year. And basking in the sun on the sandbars you will see harbour seals and their pups. You can get some great walking exercise too. The nature trail around the park is 5 kilometre long and seeing the sights in this urban forest is a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Summer Music Series

Summer is Surrey is also rich in cultural life as well. This July you can take in some excellent music at free live performances featuring music styles from Bluegrass to New Orleans Jazz. Bring a blanket with you for these evening concerts and enjoy the music in one of these lovely park settings:

  • July 4 in Glades of Garden Park at 561 – 172 Street it’s Pop-eclectica with Caviar & Lace from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
  • July 11 in Fleetwood Park at 15802 – 80 Avenue it Celtic with Tiller’s Folloy from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
  • July 18 in Bear Creek Park Garden at 13750 – 88 Avenue it’s Folk Blues with Cannery Row from 6:30 t0 8:00 pm.
  • July 25 in Darts Hill Garden Park at 1633 – 170 Street there’s a free concert from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Gates open at 5 pm, but note the park does not allow pets.
  • And if it’s an afternoon concert that appeals to you, then on July 13 Darts Hill Garden Park from 1:00 to 2:30 pm there’s the Razz Matazz Trio jazz concert.

Surrey Fusion Festival

Photo via: https://www.facebook.com/pg/SurreyFusionFestival/

Of course, you don’t want to miss Surrey’s annual Fusion Festival which takes place this year July 21 and July 22. This is a must attend event in Holland Park just south of the Surrey Centre Mall. The festival is a fantastic multicultural celebration of Surrey’s incredibly diverse population and this year will host over 45 cultural and community groups from around the world including more than 150 artists and performers.

These are just some of the great summer activities happening in Surrey during July. I don’t have space to describe everything there is to do, but Surrey is never without fun activities. They show you why Surrey is such a great place to live and raise a family.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

March in Surrey

Let’s hope Spring weather is on its way this month of March. There’s so much to do in Surrey this month, we will be eager to get around. By the end of the month, we can test the old saying: “If March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb.” What this means is that if weather at the beginning of March is like a lion – blustery, cold, maybe snowing – then the end of March will be gentle – calm, warm, sunny. The general idea is that the weather at the end of March is supposed to be the opposite of the beginning. We will have to wait and see, but there are many activities around our city to take our minds off the weather.

Here are events throughout the month to help you plan some activities for the whole family.

Some of the many things to do in Surrey this month of March

On March 1 at the Surrey Art Gallery is an evening show (7:30 to 9:00 pm) by artists Erica Grimm, Tracie Stewart and Sheinagh Anderson entitled “Skin Boats and Ocean Surroundings.” The show deals with problems of climate change and the changing ocean environment. The installation of the artists’ salt water skin boats – designed to resemble human skin – and the accompanying soundscape uses analogies between human bodies and the ocean to create a connection between participants and the ocean.

On March 1 and March 15, youth and young adults (ages 15 to 30) are invited to join the Community Art Planning Team. This group creates different art projects to enliven and brighten neighborhoods through Surrey. The meeting locations are to be determined, and you can get information by phoning 604-591-4194.

On March 4 (2:30 pm to 4:00 pm) at the Surrey Art Gallery, you can explore and enjoy indigenous art from India. There will be a panel of experts to discuss the art and provide insights for visitors to the show.

On March 8 at the Kensington Prairie Recreation Centre (4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) is hosting the Kinder Café Kindergarten. This event is for parents, but you can bring your children and learn how they can be prepared for kindergarten. You can register your child for the child minding service there as well, so you can concentrate on the lesson. To register call 604-592-2605 and use reference code 4565025.

On March 9, enjoy Family Movie Night at the Fleetwood Community Centre (6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) You can wear your pyjamas and cover up in your own blanket while you watch a family movie together, complete with popcorn and other treats. You can enjoy this family event for free, but you will need to register for your spot. Phone 604-501-5100.

On March 10 at the Surrey Archives from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. local history buffs can enjoy discovering the photos by the legendary Surrey Newsman Stan Mckinnon. Pictures of Surrey residents, businesses and landscapes in the 1950s and 1960s are featured. For registration information phone the Surrey Archives at 604-502-6459.

On March 13 at the Cloverdale Recreation Centre there is Movie afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is an afternoon the whole family can enjoy together with classical and other great family movies. Register by phoning 604-501-5100.

On March 17, the Surrey Nature Centre will hold a birding walk from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This nature lover’s event will meet in the Nature Centre’s parking lot and then walk along the forest trails to Green Timbers Lake where they can observe osprey and cormorants fishing for rainbow trout.

On March 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Surrey Art Gallery will host Family Day. This fun-filled day will include creating your own art with paint, pastels, clay, and chalk. There will also be interactive musical performances from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. as well as the Art from Indigenous Communities in India in case you missed it on March 1. This is a free event, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

On March 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the North Surrey Recreation Centre will hold an information session on getting started in lifeguard or aquatic instructor courses. The session will inform you on training process and volunteer opportunities. This is a free event, but participants must be age 10 or older. You can phone for information at 604-501-5100.

On March 21 at the Guildford Recreation Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. celebrate the beginning of Spring (first day of Spring is March 20). There will be lots of fun family activities to launch the season of Spring this year.

On March 24 at the Guilford Recreation Centre, the second annual Active Aging Resource Fair takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will booths to connect with others and to learn about new technologies as well as health, nutrition, travel, and fitness. For more information you can phone: Carissa Bootsma at 604-591-4274.

Have we missed anything? Be sure to leave your comments of fun activities to check out this March in Surrey, BC.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

Living and Investing in Surrey

In my last blog, I referred to a recent report from the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN) which ranked Surrey in the top 10 cities in British Columbia. That’s a major endorsement for Surrey when it comes to deciding where you want to invest in a home and raise a family! And when a city gets known for something like that, its reputation escalates as everyone gets even more excited about what they’ve got.

You can be certain that purchasing a home in Surrey is truly an investment, and an exceptionally good one. My wife and I are raising our family here and we couldn’t be happier. I had to dedicate my entire last blog to the multitude of events here just for youth. In this post I will try to balance the scale a bit in favour in why Surrey is great place for adults too; and of course having a great choice of things to do together with your children is also one of the biggest rewards!

Let’s begin with a theme that is the hallmark of living everywhere in British Columbia – the great outdoors! Surrey has preserved some of the most beautiful areas for parks – and the City’s Parks Board has developed breathtakingly beautiful parks. In fact, there are so many parks in Surrey I would have to publish a book to mention them all. The City of Surrey’s website says there are 200 parks here, but if you count all the greenbelts and nature areas, there are over 600 sites according to British Columbia tourism ministry. I have gone to a tourist website, Trip Advisor Canada, and the British Columbia’s Tourism website to narrow the list to 10 of their top picks (just to be impartial). I’ve started in South Surrey and picked some great parks and nature preserves moving northwards.

There are beautiful parks with unique programs in every one of Surrey’s neighbourhoods.

i) Crescent Beach

This spectacularly beautiful area is the perfect place for a walk along the ocean or taking in a sunset on the western horizon.

ii) Redwood Park on 20th Avenue

This beautiful forest has lots of trails for exploring, and the park has lots of fun things for kids too, like a playground keeping with the Redwood theme of the park, and “fairy houses” along the main trail.

iii) Blackie Spit Park at 3135 McBride Ave

This area is also on the ocean coast and is a great place to walk with kids, or you can walk your dog on leash. For the more adventurous, it’s also a great place to launch a kayak and a paddle the coast line.

iv) Urban Safari Rescue Society at 1395 176 St.

Even if you don’t like lizards, spiders, snakes, turtles, and all sorts of bugs, then I’ll bet your kids do! This place isn’t exactly a park, but for nature it’s a great place to learn about all those interesting creatures that children are curious about.

v) Unwin Park in the Newton Area

Large 36-acre community park with a host of different activities for the whole family. Check out the baseball diamonds, batting cage, cricket fields, soccer fields, lacrosse boxes, and even a basketball court.

vi) Green Timbers Urban Forest at 4600 Block of 100th Ave.

My family loves this place. It’s a tranquil and quiet park off the Fraser Highway near King George Boulevard. You can go biking or for lovely walk along a beautiful pond. There is lots to do here for adults or children.

viii) Bear Creek Park at 13759 88th Ave.

A great place to entertain young children. There is the Bear Creek miniature train, a waterpark and outdoor pool to cool down in the summer or you can play mini-golf or hike along the trials.

ix) Fleetwood Park in the Fleetwood area

This is a perfect place for picnics and play areas (including a spray park) to scenic gardens and nature trails.

x) Guildford Height Park

This is a 16-acre park near Guildford town centre, two blocks east of the Guildford Mall. Its games court and multi-use grass field is perfect for a game of pick-up soccer of frisbee.

Now, let’s take depart from the great outdoors and take a quick look at what Surrey offers for arts and cultural activities. There is already an abundant appreciation of the cultural activities that make for a vibrant community life in Surrey. Here are just a few examples of the kind of investments the City has made to ensure a enhanced cultural and artistic community is appreciated and enjoyed.

The Surrey Arts Centre at 13750 88 Ave. is like a one-stop shop for visual and performing arts. It is the arts hub for the Surrey Art Galley and the Surrey Civic Theatre’s Main Stage and Studio Stage Theatre. Here you can discover contemporary art through changing exhibitions, permanent artworks, and free events like tours, talks and art-making opportunities. Or you can watch actors, dancers and musicians perform on stage. You can even explore your own creativity through the many art and performing arts classes offered here. In the Newton area, the Arts Council of Surrey has turned the old Firehall into its new headquarters. Named the Surrey Cultural Centre, it is a thriving centre advancing arts appreciation in the heart of the Newton in Surrey. This is just a small sample of what has already started in Surrey’s cultural life. The City is committed to developing its arts and cultural communities. In 2011, Surrey adopted a broad framework – The Surrey Cultural Plan — to enhance the City’s ability to effectively mobilize the resources and talent available within the community towards a sustainable, dynamic, and socially cohesive city with an enviable quality of life. These are just a few of the factors that contribute to Surrey’s making the top 10 list in the REIN report.

You can see that choosing Surrey as place to raise your family is indeed smart investment in the future!

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

 

*image via www.surrey.ca