NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
Work underway on future community centre site
Design-build team selection expected mid-2025, construction due to conclude by 2029
Tom Zillich
On 70 Avenue, recently demolished houses are the first sign of site preparation work on the future site of Newton Community Centre, a $310.6-million, 190,000-square-foot complex to be built south of the neighbourhood’s longstanding arena.
The coming “hub for recreation and culture” will include a 50metre swimming pool, gymnasiums, fitness centre, arts spaces and library three times larger than the existing facility nearby.
Priciest of Surrey’s current capital projects, Newton’s new community centre is in the preliminary planning phase, with design-build team selection expected in mid-2025 and construction due to conclude by 2029. No project renderings have been made public.
“That land there has been vacant for a long time, many decades,”noted Philip Aguirre, executive director of Newton Business Improvement Association (BIA).
“With the city having a longterm plan like this, it’s just about time that we got going on revitalizing the Newton Town Centre. I think it’s going to be a great catalyst to get even more investment in Newton.”
On the site stands The PLOT community garden, which includes a medicine wheel and hosts ceremonies celebrating the
changing of seasons.
The original location for the community centre was on King George Boulevard, south of 70A Avenue, where a “groundbreaking”event was held in September 2022, on the former Rona store site. Those plans were scrapped with changes on Surrey council, however, and the current site, at 71 Avenue and 136B Street, was revealed a year ago.
The former site is now being used for staging of materials for the 132 Street road-widening project, a city hall rep says. It’s not immediately clear what will be built on the vacant land, although
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has suggested it might be a good place for B.C.’s new South Asian Heritages Museum
Newton Community Centre
“represents a significant milestone” for Surrey as “the largest capital project ever undertaken in terms of both funding and scope,”
Mayor Brenda Locke stated after the 2024 Operating and Capital Budget was approved.
One question is, with a new community centre to be built nearby, what happens to Newton Recreation Centre, home to Surrey’s only wave pool?
“The city invested roughly
$25 million in refurbishing the wave pool just a few years ago,” Aguirre said. “I suspect that in the long term, the City of Surrey will be looking for creative ways to revitalize the wave pool. That could be selling it off, that could be amalgamating it into the senior centre and whatnot, but I suspect they might look at creative solutions such as selling it to a third party.”
The future of the old hockey arena is also in question, Aguirre added.
“It’s dated and needs to be refurbished, replaced, relocated, maybe,” he said. “Many moons
ago the Newton BIA, while advocating for the revitalization of the town centre, we always thought that a spectator arena would have been a great addition to the community, and we still hold that.
“You know, Newton is in the centre of the city, and Surrey doesn’t have a space to hold a lot of the functions that a large city does.
“There’s always lots of talk about City Centre having that facility, but again, land is at a premium and the city does own quite a good footprint of land in the Newton Town Centre for a large complex like that.”
TOGETHER: The South Asian Community Hub’s ‘SACH a Worthy Cause’ gala raised funds for mental health. see page 13
AWARD WINNER: Newton credit union branch manager Ramandeep Randhawa is a 2025 Woman of Distinction. see page 14
FOCUS ON NEWTON: City of Surrey supports international students with the next phase of its Focus Newton Action Plan. see page 15
MONEY MATTERS: The Newton branch of Surrey Libraries offers financial literacy workshops for new parents and retirees. Drop in to get professional advice. see page 15
EVENTS: What’s happening in Newton this spring – our regular events listing includes festivals, food, music and more. see page 16
The future site of Newton Community Centre at 71 Avenue and 136B Street. (Tom Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader)
NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
‘SACH A Worthy Cause’ gala raises funds for mental health
SACH was formed in 2020 to address mental health, addiction in South
Asian community
Tom Zillich
An inspiring evening of storytelling andentertainmentwaspromisedduring another SACH A Worthy Cause gala in Newton.
South Asian Community Hub, or SACH, held its second annual fundraising event Friday, May 2, at Crown Palace Banquet Hall on Nordel Way, where Senator Baltej Singh Dhillon delivered the keynote speech. A year ago, the non-profit SACH
held its first such gala to raise funds to help people facing health and social challenges, and for a second year the sold-out SACH A Worthy Cause event attracted close to 500 attendees.
Key donations included $100,000 from the B.C. government, $15,000 from Islamic Relief Canada, $7,500 from Pacific Hospitality Inc., $5,000 from Foundation for a Path Forward and $2,500 from A-Class Autobody & Glass, among others.
Event tickets soldfor $150 on sachbc. ca/events/2025-annual-gala, or $1,000 for a table of eight.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has shown us their confidence and belief in our vision by not only attending the gala but by personally donating to our cause,” said Daljit Gill-Badesha, SACH executive director.
“When individuals, businesses, governments and faith organizations attend, donate and ask to join our movement, we feel reassured that we are on the right path, and we have the
community support backing our efforts. This gives us more courage to continue creating safe and transformative spaces for social change. We are deeply honoured by the support
for SACH a Worthy Cause.”
With a name that means “truth” in Punjabi, SACH was formed in 2020 to address mental health, addictions, poverty and homelessness in the South Asian community.
“People were hurting. Language barriers and complex systems kept them from accessing vital services,” recalls Harman S. Pandher, board chair.
“Five years later, SACH’s work to eliminate these barriers is as important as ever. But we urgently need the community’s support.”
Guest speaker at the May 2 gala, Baltej Singh Dhillon is a retired career police officer, community leader and a lifelong advocate for diversity and inclusion.EmigratingfromMalaysiain 1983, Dhillon made history in 1991 as thefirstRCMPofficertowearaturban.
The 2025 SACH A Worthy Cause gala took place May 2 at Crown Palace Banquet Hall in Surrey. (Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)
NEWTONCOMMUNITY NEWS
‘Special night’ for Newton
Khalsa Credit Union branch manager
Ramandeep Randhawa won Connecting
the Community Award
Tom Zillich
Surrey resident Ramandeep Randhawa is an award winner for connecting the community in her work as a Newton community branch manager with Khalsa Credit Union.
Randhawa was among 105 nominees and 13 winners of 2025 Women of Distinction Awards during a YWCA Metro Vancouver-hosted gala April 28 in Vancouver.
Each Women of Distinction nominee is eligible to win the Connecting the Community Award, selected by public vote, and Randhawa earned the most votes this year as a Business & Professions nominee.
“A champion for workplace equity, she introduced mentorship programs and flexible work arrangements to improve retention of women staff,” notes a bio on ywcavan.org.
Randhawa has also organized annual food drives for the past five years, with 1,531 pounds of food donated to Khalsa Aid and Surrey Food Bank. In 2023, she started an Adopt-A-Street monthly cleanup program and also volunteers at local schools, teaching financial literacy to students.
Randhawa has received a number of awards from Khalsa Credit Union during her 18 years of work there, including top loan growth and top member survey results.
“It was such a special night,” she said of the 42nd awards event. “I couldn’t do this without my children and my husband, who are so supportive, and my employer and co-workers as well.”
The gala raised money for YWCA’s Housing Action Fund to accelerate the development of new affordable housing for women and their children.
Other 2025 Women of Distinc-
tion award-winners, detailed on ywcavan.org, are Ashlie Corcoran, Radha Curpen, Cindy Beedie,
Kim van der Woerd, Aisha Yang, Sonia Strobel, Dr. Jana-Lea Davidson, Bridgitte Anderson, Annita
McPhee, Dr. Cheryl Ho, Vedanshi Vala and Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
The 2025 Women of Distinction award-winners at an April 28 event hosted by YWCA Metro Vancouver. (Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)
NEWTONCOMMUNITY NEWS
Newton plan focuses on international students
City of Surrey approves next phase of Focus Newton Action Plan
Surrey city council is working to address the challenges faced by international students as part of its Focus Newton Action Plan.
In 2024, the City of Surrey launched efforts to help understand the issues faced by international students. A City press release notes that engagement activities with students and professionals highlighted various issues, including social isolation and exploitation.
Throughout 2024, the City identified several key actions to enhance resources for international students as they navigate their academic journeys. This pivotal next phase of the plan was approved by council at a meeting in April.
“International students face many challenges and are often taken advantage of,” Mayor Brenda Locke said in a press release. “That is why support for international students is a key element of the Focus New-
ton Action Plan. With the next stage of this initiative, we are expanding our efforts to help students successfully adapt to their new environment. Our vision is to ensure that the City of Surrey is a welcoming, supportive, and safe place for all – a place where everyone matters.”
The next steps include:
• partnering with Surrey Libraries to ensure resource availability for international students with a specific focus on Newton Library, Strawberry Hill Library, and the new Welcome Centre located within City Centre Library;
• convening and leading a project working group to develop resource guides for international students, covering information such as housing, employment, and safety; and
• hosting a series of informational workshops for international students on relevant topics, such as healthy relationships, tenancy rights, employment rights, etc.
“By prioritizing the needs of international students, we are not only enriching their experiences but also enhancing the cultural fabric of our community,”said Coun. Harry Bains, chair of the Focus Newton Task Force, in the city re-
lease. “This next stage of the Action Plan is an essential step towards building a supportive network that empowers students to thrive academically and socially. Together, we are committed to creating a welcoming environment where every student feels valued and connected.”
B.C. has the second highest enrolment of international students in Canada.
In 2024, an estimated 6,400 international students attended a Surrey post-secondary institution. With relatively affordable housing, diverse educational institutions and transit options, Surrey remains a popular destination for international students.
Action 3.2 of the Focus Newton Action Plan emphasizes the importance of supporting international students. This comprehensive initiative aims to enhance, beautify, and strengthen the Newton community, all informed by community input.
The plan is dedicated to transforming Newton into a thriving and vibrant area that fosters pride among all residents. The actions outlined in the plan will be implemented over four years, from 2024 to 2027.
Financial literacy workshops for new parents, retirees
Have questions about managing your money?
The Newton Library branch of Surrey Libraries can help. The library is offering a couple of upcoming Financial Literacy workshops, one aimed at new parents and the other at retirees.
Finances for New Parents is set for Thursday, May 29 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Babies are welcome — a play space with toys will be set up as parents learn about budgeting for a baby, parental leave, planning for child care, and child-care expense deductions.
Then, on Wednesday, June 4, retirees can take in Managing Finances in Retirement, running from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The session will cover the importance of managing
Newton Library is offering Financial Literacy workshops for new parents and retirees.
(Adobe
Get help with finances
your retirement, balancing the budget, sources of retirement income, expenses, and stretching your retirement resources. Both sessions are offered in partnership with the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia. They’re by drop-in, and no registration is required. Find the sessions in the meeting room at the Newton Library, 13795 70 Ave. See surreylibraries.ca for details. Need help with money?
The City of Surrey held a series of public engagement activities to help gather input on its Focus Newton Action Plan. (City of Surrey/Focus Newton Action Plan)
stock photo)
NEWTONCOMMUNITY NEWS
Newton happenings in May and June
Tom
Zillich
FESTIVALS/FAIRS
Surrey Greek Food Festival returns June 6-15 at church lot, 13181 96 Ave., for food, live music, multi-cultural performances, raffle prizes, shopping and more. Weekday times 4 to 10 p.m., weekends noon to 10 p.m. “Come and join our food festival filled with delicious Greek food! We have everything from meals to snacks, coffee to dessert for you to enjoy. Each night features live entertainment from traditional Greek dances and bands to music from diverse groups in our local communities.” Info: surreygreekfoodfest. com.
Car Free Day Surrey returns to Newton on Saturday, June 7. Admission is free at the block party-like festival, which fills 137 Street with people, not cars, for a day of entertainment on multiple stages, food and more, noon to 8 p.m., rain or shine. Vendors are sought, apply on website. Info: carfree.ca/city/ surrey.
CONCERTS
New World Men: This acclaimed Rush tribute band from Quebec performs at Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage on Friday, May 30. Presented by Matt Grou Productions. Info: tickets. surrey.ca, 604-501-5566.
THEATRE/STAGE
Surrey SPARK Stages: A weekend of family-friendly shows at Surrey Arts Centre from May 23-25
including Whipped Up!, A Simple Space, Ginalina Joins the Circus, I Wish I Was a Mountain and Braided Spirits. “Surrey’s
performing arts festival for kids is back with an allnew lineup of exceptional circus, music and theatre shows. Show tickets include
drop-in bonus activities including hoop dancing with Notorious Cree, circus art with Circus Lab, and puppet play and artmaking.” Presented by Surrey Civic Theatres. Tickets and info: surrey.ca/arts-culture/ surrey-civic-theatres/surrey-spark-stages, 604-5015566.
“The Merry Widow”: Crescendo Operation Society celebrates its 20th anniversary with a production featuring music by Franz Lehar, at Surrey Arts Centre’s Studio Theatre from June 20-22 (four show times). Artistic direction by Dolores Scott, choreography by Nancy Hasiuk-Lay, music by Natan Badue, stage direction by Robin Hahn. Info and tickets: crescendooperatic.org, tickets.
surrey.ca.
DANCE
“All You Need is Love” show featuring Panorama School of Dance, May 24-25 at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey. “Join us for an unforgettable celebration of joy, connection, and the power of love at this year’s dance recital. Our dancers will take the stage to share heartfelt performances that explore love in all its forms — from friendship and family to self-love and kindness.”
Info: bellperformingartscentre.com, or call 604507-6355.
Platinum: Essence of Dance 20th Anniversary Recital at Bell Performing Arts Centre on May 30 and June 1. “This special recital is a celebration of
the bonds we’ve built, the memories we’ve shared, and the generations of dancers who have grown together under one roof.”
Tickets and info: bellperformingartscentre.com, or call 604-507-6355.
COMMUNITY
Surrey’s Environmental Extravaganza: From Earth Day to World Oceans Day (June 8), nearly 150 free programs and events available for people of all ages.
“Whether you’re a budding community scientist, avid birdwatcher, or just looking for a new park to enjoy with friends, there’s something for everyone during the City of Surrey’s 28th annual Environmental Extravaganza.” Events: surrey.ca/parks-recreation/ Continued on A17
The stage at Car Free Day Surrey block party, which returns to 137 Street in Newton on Saturday, June 7 for a day of entertainment. See listing under Festivals/Fairs. (Surrey Now-Leader)
NEWTONCOMMUNITY NEWS
Fairs, festivals, music and more coming your way
parks/park-programs/environmental-extravaganza.
TALKS
Creative Writing Workshops: Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has partnered with Surrey Libraries to offer a series of creative writing workshops led by talented KPU alumni. Each 90-minute workshop is free and open to the public, with focus on fiction on June 11. “Attendees are encouraged to register for one or all of the sessions to explore their creative potential.” To register, visit surreylibraries. ca/events.
“A Brief History of Newton” event for seniors on Tuesday, June 3 at the Museum of Surrey, 3 to 4 p.m. “Bring a friend for the brief history of Newton presented by the Surrey Archives team. This is a seated presentation in the Museum’s theatre with enough space for 40 people. Please register to secure your spot. Q&A to follow.” At 17710 56A Ave. Free admission. Info: 604-592-6956.
FUNDRAISERS
Breakfast With the Bank fundraiser for Surrey Food Bank on Friday, May 23 at Taj Park Convention Centre, Surrey, starting at 7 a.m. “Join us for a morning of community spirit, inspiring stories, and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while hearing firsthand how your support is helping us fuel a nourished and thriving community with good food and great people.” Register here: surreyfoodbank.org/ event/breakfast-with-thebank-2025.
KIDS/YOUTH
Surrey’s Summer Day Camps: Registration for summer day camps opened May 4, continues until camps are full. Pick up a Summer Day Camps Guide at any Surrey recreation facility or library. For help and info, call Monday to Friday 8:30am–4:30pm at 604.501.5100.
Youth Arts Council of Surrey (YACOS) is a branch of the Arts Council of Surrey run by youth for youth (ages 13-21) who
want to get involved in the local arts community, with talent shows, play-writing competitions, film festivals, fashion shows. Info: artscouncilofsurrey.ca/ yacos, 604-594-2700, instagram.com/youthartsca.
ARTS
& CULTURE
Surrey’s Artswest Art Group meets on third Monday of every month (Sept. to May) at Newton Cultural Centre, 13570 72 Ave. Guests are welcome ($10); memberships are $35 annually. The club offers opportunities to connect with artists, six demos by professional artists, workshops, shows and more. Info: email wendy@artbywendy.com.
GALLERIES
Surrey Art Gallery: Multiple art exhibits and related events at Bear Creek Park, 88 Ave./King George Blvd. 604-501-5566, Surrey. ca/artgallery. A Tangled Thicket with Z·inc Artist Collective (Willa Downing, Lesley Garratt, Cora Li-Leger, Claire Moore), to June 8; Atheana Picha: Echoes, to June 2027; Sandeep Johal: It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see, to June 2027.
Newton Cultural Centre features works by local artists at 13530 72 Ave., at venue of the Arts Council of Surrey. For calendar visit artscouncilofsurrey.ca, or call 604-594-2700.
MOVIES
Strawberry Hill Cineplex: 12161 72 Ave., Surrey. 604501-9400, cineplex.com.
NATURE
Community Tree Planting events in Surrey at various sites. “Help grow Surrey’s urban forest by planting trees and shrubs in your community park this spring.” Schedule and info: surrey.ca/newsevents/events/community-tree-planting, email stewardship@surrey.ca.
Nature Work Parties: “Help care for Surrey parks by removing invasive plant species, cleaning up litter, and enhancing habitat within the park. Remove invasive plant species, clean up litter, and enhance habitat within the park. Tools and training are provided.
Bring your family and friends; all ages are welcome.” For info and dates, visit surrey.ca/news-events/ events/nature-work-parties.
WORKSHOPS
Kids Zone Arts & Craft Workshops at Newton Cultural Centre hosted by the Arts Council of Surrey, on June 7, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. “A great opportunity for kids to come together, learn new arts & crafts and enjoy creative time.” Fee $5 by e-transfer to info@ artscouncilofsurrey.ca. For ages 5 to 12. Info: Call Aman, 604-621-3633.
CLUBS/GROUPS
Surrey Trekkers Volksport Club: “A friendly walking club where everyone is welcome. We have a proud heritage as an associate of International Volkssporting with regularly scheduled walks throughout the Lower Mainland.” Walks are on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, most statutory holidays. Info: surreytrekkers.com.
Surrey Singles Over Sixty: “We are a friendly group that meet for dinners, card games, bowling, dancing, picnics, walks, etc. Our club is based in the North Surrey/North Delta area. New members are welcome.” Call Julie, 604218-2946.
Surrey No Longer Alone Nar-Anon Family Group (for people affected by someone else’s drug use) in-person meetings on Monday evenings, from 7-8 p.m. at Bethany-Newton United Church, 14853 60 Ave., Surrey (north entrance).
Surrey Air Cadets: 278 Cormorant RCACS, launched in 2017, welcomes new members aged 12-18. “We parade (train) on Tuesday Evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. from September to June of each year,” at Princess Margaret Secondary School, 12870 72 Ave, Surrey. Info: surreycadets.ca, 778-832-0278.
SENIORS
Belinda’s Connection Café at Newton Cultural Centre: “A free monthly event for 55+ seniors to connect with others while participating in art-related activities,” on select dates, 10 a.m. to
noon, register by email to lyn.verra.lay@gmail.com, call 778-879-4097, search “Belinda’s Connection Café” on Facebook. May 22: Crocheted Coasters with Tanya Lui; June 26: Sun Prints with Desmond Tompkins.
TALK (Third Age Learning at Kwantlen): Program promises “creative and stimulating educational activities” for the 50-plus age group in Surrey and surrounding cities, with a mix of in-person and online events. TALK courses are “ideal for retirees who want to continue learning.” Fees range from $15 to $30, plus $10 annual membership fee. Info: kpu.ca/talk, 604599-3077.
ATTRACTIONS
Bear Creek Park Train and Mini Golf: Mini train rides through forest at Surrey’s largest park, 13750 88 Ave. Info: call 604-5011232, visit bctrains.com.
CALLS
Youth Artists wanted for exhibit at Newton Cultural Centre, deadline for entries June 1 (ages 13 to 21).
“The Youth Arts Council of Surrey invites you to showcase your artwork at our upcoming exhibit at Newton Cultural Centre.” Info on artscouncilofsurrey.ca.
The Vaudevillians seniors entertainment troupe seeks performers for local events, for singing, dancing, music instrument playing, also backstage. For details call Doris, 604-585-7409 or visit thevaudevillians.com.
Peace Arch Chorus: A capella group rehearses at Newton Cultural Centre under direction of Elvera Collier and assistant director Bev Feick. “Auditioned members are provided with excellent musical education and vocal coaching.” Chorus welcomes women to join. Info: peacearchcho-
rus.ca.
VOLUNTEERS
Surrey Memorial Hospital Auxiliary needs volunteers. “We manage the hospital gift shop, the lottery booth and hospital gift cart. All funds raised go towards enhancing patient comfort and promoting patient welfare, assisting with much needed hospital expansions and equipment, fostering good relations between Surrey Memorial Hospital and the community.” Visit the gift shop to learn more. Info: fraserhealth.ca.
Community Thrift Store:
“Can you spare 4 hours a day to volunteer at Newton’s Community Thrift Store, a joint project of Surrey Hospice Society and Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society?” At 7138 King George Blvd. Call 604-599-9930 or visit shscommunitythriftstore. com/volunteer.
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