NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
Historic Strawberry Hill Hall reborn as child-care facility
Tom Zillich
Kids are roaming around Strawberry Hill Hall again, but not exactly like they did in the 20th century.
Built in 1909, the original community hall was destroyed by fire in April 2021, near the end of a year-long, $1.2-million rehabilitation project to have it used for preschool classes, summer camps, community rentals and more.
Rebuilt over the past two years, the hall now houses a 25-space childcare facility operated by South Surrey-based Alexander Neighbourhood House, or Alex House.
The facility opened in early April as a daytime play space for children aged three to five at 12152 75 Ave., next to R.A. Nicholson Park. An official ribbon-cutting event is planned April 29.
The city’s operating agreement with Alex House was OK’d by the city council in June 2024 as a move to “recognize the importance of accessible child care for working families,” Mayor Brenda
Locke stated at the time. In a change of original plans announced in September 2023, when
construction began and community rental opportunities were promised, the new hall will be used for childcare
purposes only, according to Laurie Cavan, general manager of Surrey’s Parks, Recreation & Culture department.
“We understand the importance of community events and private rentals, and these can be accommodated at other civic facilities within the city,” Cavan told the Now-Leader
Photos of the “beautiful” child-care space are posted on Alex House’s Facebook page (facebook.com/AlexHousebc).
Surrey-based Jacob Bros Construction was contracted for $2.52 million to build the new hall, with funding from Surrey’s five-year capital budget and more than $425,000 in grants from the B.C. government’s ChildCare BC New Spaces Fund.
The original Strawberry Hill community hall was among the oldest in Surrey, and was listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
Continued on B3
IN MEMORIAM
Newton Elementary School students raised funds for Surrey Memorial Hospital for Vaisakhi and in honour of a student who died last year. see page B3
HOMEGROWN SUCCESS
The Newton-born Fruiticana chain is on a roll, opening its 23rd store in the neighbourhood where Tony Singh got his start in the grocery business. see page B5
MURAL ART
Do you know the story of two prominent murals in the Newton neighbourhood? Check it out inside. see page B6
WHAT’S ON
The Newton neighbourhood is buzzing this spring –check out offerings including theatre, art, concerts, kids’ stuff, festivals and more. There’s something for everyone in this month’s events listings. see page B7
Outside Strawberry Hill Hall in Surrey on April 3, 2025. (Tom Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader)
A look inside today’s Strawberry Hill Hall, operated as a daycare by Alex House Children’s Centre Child Care. (Photo: facebook.com/AlexHousebc)
NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
Built in 1909, the original community hall was destroyed by fire in April 2021
from B1
For decades, Strawberry Hill hall was operated by a farmers’ institute in an area known for berry crops.
In 2016, the city acquired the hall with plans to renovate the building “to provide a range of services at the neighbourhood level.”
By 2020, work by Proactive Construction involved moving the building a few metres away from the street corner to make the intersection safer for motorists and pedestrians. The fire in April 2021 was deemed accidental and electrical in nature, according to Jason Cairney, Deputy Chief, Prevention & IT Services, Surrey Fire Service.
Surrey Now & Then is a look back at Sur-
rey-area landmark sites, events and people. Email story ideas and tips to tom.zillich@ surreynowleader.com. We thank Surrey Archives for assistance with this series.
Newton student remembered in fundraiser for Vaisakhi
Sobia Moman
From the tragic passing of an elementary student from Surrey has come a teaching moment for his remaining classmates.
Newton Elementary students have spent the last three weeks fundraising for Surrey Memorial Hospital’s pediatric unit in memory of a beloved late student – the school’s fundraising choice in honour of Vaisakhi this year.
“Last year I had a student who passed away. He had severe medical issues, and this kid, he was sitting in my class and I would be thinking about him because we knew he wasn’t going to make it too long, that we wouldn’t have him here soon,” said teacher Jaspal Gill.
“Him passing away was something that made me make up my mind that it would not be for the food bank this year, we would do it to the children’s (unit) at Surrey Memorial Hospital.”
The last two years, the school chose Guru Nanak Food Bank as the organization spotlighted for Vaisakhi. The school’s efforts raised $1,500 last year and $1,200 the year prior, focusing on the service side of the Indian festival and teaching students the importance of giving.
“This is how our kids will learn,” Gill added.
“The kids get so excited about it, bringing in that $5, $10, $20 — I’ve even gotten 10 cents, 25 cents from kids, which is awesome. The little kids would come and say ‘I brought this for
you!’ It’s really cute.”
All the big and small donations have most definitely added up as the school has garnered its highest total in years.
“Our goal was $1,500, but we’ve reached well over $2,000,” shared principal Amy Newman.
The school was slated to present a cheque to staff from the hospital at their Vaisakhi assembly.
Continued
Strawberry Hill Hall in the 1980s. (Surrey Archives)
Surrey’s historic Strawberry Hill Hall was damaged by fire on April 29, 2021. (Tom Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader files)
Newton Elementary is running a fundraiser for Surrey Memorial Hospital for Vaisakhi and in honour of a student who died last year. Pictured is a Vaisakhi display at the school in April 2025. (Contributed to Peace Arch News)
NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
Newton-born Fruiticana chain grows with 23rd new store
Tom Zillich
It’s not surprising that Newton is filled with Fruiticana stores, including the newest one in the growing grocery chain, because it’s the neighbourhood where Tony Singh got his start in the business locally.
“This is our 23rd store, the new one here,” Singh said while greeting customers in the shop on 64 Avenue, west of 132 Street.
“This one is 5,500 square feet, a bit bigger than what we had previously in the old building, on the corner. It’s brighter, too.”
Nearby, the old market building will be demolished to make way for new commercial enterprises – a doctor, dentist, sweet shop, meat shop, beauty salon, coffee shop and more — connected to a new plaza with benches, for socializing in an area of Surrey not far from where Singh lives.
For the Montreal-raised Fruiticana founder and president, business means connecting with neighbours.
“This one fits the size of the neighbourhood,” he said. “We want to be a place where people walk to the store, not a bigbox store. We have stores every couple of miles here, so when you go out in the evening after your dinner and want groceries for the next day, you don’t have to drive, you just walk over. It goes back to the olden days of neighbourhood stores, where you know the owner, chat with people, meet your neighbours. That’s what it used to be in Montreal, the smaller stores where I used to work.”
The Fruiticana story started in 1992 when Singh visited Surrey and saw an opportunity to sell fruits and vegetables to
the growing South Asian population. With a staff of three including Singh and his wife, the first store opened in 1994 near Newton’s popular wavepool. Customers began asking for spices, pickles and other groceries, so Singh created a small aisle with just the basics, and it all grew from there.
Now the chain employs around 500 people in stores across B.C. and Alberta and in the 150,000 square feet of head office/warehouse space in Newton, on Anvil Way/129A Street.
“I live nearby, on the Panorama side, so it’s seven minutes to work for me,” Singh noted. “You know, so many of the people who are employees, they all live within the vicinity of the store and all walk to the stores,” he added. “So not only the customer walks to the store, so do the employees. Everybody knows each other that way.”
Fruiticana’s HQ in Newton includes three warehouses on the same property, all open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We don’t have a key for the warehouse,” Singh said with a laugh. “The product comes in at nighttime from around the world — California, Mexico and other places. At seven
o’clock our truck drivers come, take it to our stores, so you get a fresh product in the morning that just arrived the night before. Sometimes it’s less than 12 hours to get the produce from the field to our stores, it’s that fresh. It has to be passed on very quickly, and that’s why we never close.”
Plans are to open future stores in Surrey City Centre and Langley, adding three more to the chain, Singh noted. In Surrey alone, there are now 12 Fruiticana stores.
“This one (the new store in Newton) is right in the middle (in terms of size of Fruiticana stores),” he added. “We have anywhere from 3,000 square feet to 15,000 square feet — that’s in Abbotsford, our largest one.”
Indican, the chain’s in-store brand of spices, candy, lentils, rice and other goods, was born in 1997, three years after the first Fruiticana opened.
“We have everything except the meats,” Singh noted. “We don’t carry meats, but we’ll have one of those shops next door (on 132 Street), coming up.”
Singh and Fruiticana have played a vital role in shaping the heart of Newton, says Philip Aguirre, executive director
of Newton Business Improvement Association (BIA).
“As a locally owned business, Fruiticana exemplifies the importance of small, independent enterprises in our economy,” Aguirre told the Now-Leader
“These businesses don’t just provide jobs, they keep dollars circulating locally, creating a multiplier effect that supports other shops, services and families in the area. Tony’s commitment to giving back, whether through local sponsorships, food donations or simply creating a welcoming space, has made Fruiticana more than a business, it’s a pillar of our community.”
Tony Singh with a box of mangoes at his newest Fruiticana grocery store in Newton, on 64 Avenue near 132 Street, Surrey. (Tom Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader)
The new Fruiticana grocery store in Newton, on 64 Avenue near 132 Street, Surrey. (Tom Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader)
NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
Newton mural paints the past, present and a future project paused
Tom Zillich
A mural painted in 2017 still stands as a multi-colour reminder of Newton’s past and present, and also a future project that didn’t get rolling.
Motorists and pedestrians can’t miss the artwork, on the northeast corner of 72 Avenue and King George Boulevard.
Newton Business Improvement Association (BIA) commissioned graffiti/hip-hop artist Danny Fernandez, or
Def3 in the art world, to create the mural on the side of a commercial building, adjacent to a vacant lot at the busy intersection.
The project took Fernandez about a week to complete.
“The idea was to create something to enhance the area, with a bit of the history of what’s going on in Newton,” the artist told the Now newspaper in 2017.
The letters of N-E-W-TO-N are filled with imag -
es of Newton Wave Pool, Sikhs at the annual Vaisakhi parade and a LRT car of a rapid-transit system that was to run through Newton along King George, but those plans were scrapped by government.
An old interurban train is painted on the far left of the mural, in black and white.
“The final piece is the nightsky shot of a modern building,” Fernandez said while painting the mural. “It’s kind of old to new.”
While it is in a high-traffic location, his “Newton” mural is probably less famous than one painted by Paul Ygartua on two exterior walls of Beachcomber Hot Tubs’ building, elsewhere in the neighbourhood.
Full of 31 famous faces, the giant mural can’t be missed on the corner of 132 Street and Comber Way.
Business owner Keith Scott commissioned the mural in 2000 as a millennium project saluting a constellation of “Legends” including Princess Diana, Walt Disney, Martin Luther King Jr., Terry Fox,
Billie Jean King and other trailblazers of the world.
Ygartua worked several months to complete the mural, at the time considered the world’s largest painted freehand by one person, on a “canvas” measuring 390 feet by 24. He used a single brush, one with three inches of bristle.
“By the end, it was about a half inch,” Ygartua said in 2021.
“I even have a photograph of me holding the brush at the end,” the muralist added. “We even thought of going to the paint company, showing them the brush saying, ‘This would be great advertising for you.’”
The mural’s legends are now
a history lesson for some, and younger people may wonder who those people are. To help tell their stories, Beachcomber created a guide that profiles the subjects, which include Indigenous artists Bill Reid and Simon Charlie, both of whom are depicted on a smaller, less prominent section of the wall, near the business entrance.
A section of artist Paul Ygartua’s giant “Legends” mural on the Beachcomber Hot Tubs building in Surrey, at 132 Street and Comber Way. (Tom Zillich/ Surrey Now-Leader files)
Newton mural on the side of a commercial building near the intersection of 72 Avenue and King George Boulevard in Surrey. (Tom Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader)
NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
What’s happening in Newton this spring
FESTIVALS
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.
COMMUNITY
Surrey’s Environmental Extravaganza: From April 19 to 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.
THEATRE/STAGE
“Murderers”: Naked Stage Productions Society presents a staged reading of this Jeffrey Hatcher play (“No sets. No props. Just great acting”), April 25-27 at Newton Cultural Centre. “Three comic monologues about revenge, blackmail, sex, money, jealousy, justice and murder. Each tale depicts desperate passions, old wounds and cold calculations that intersect in the sundrenched world of The Riddle Key Luxury Retirement Village in Florida.” Info and tickets: nspsociety.com/upcoming-shows.
CONCERTS
Coffee Concert: Pocket Symphonies, on the afternoon of Sunday, April 27 at Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage, featuring The Bergmann Piano Duo with Jasper Wood (violin) and Joseph Elworthy (cello), 2 p.m. concert. “Revel in the rich medley of the cello, piano and violin playing Beethoven’s 5th and more.” Info: tickets.surrey.ca, 604501-5566.
Superstar Singer concert April 27 at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey, on Canadian tour. “Rocky Rani Entertainers presents the Top 3 Winners Atharva Bakshi, Kushi Nagar and Avirbhav S. Join us for a magical night of entertainment with the brightest young stars of India.” Tickets and info: bellperformingartscentre.com, 604-507-6355. The Stampeders: Canadian rock band returns Friday, May 9 at Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage in concert presented by Shantero Productions, featuring “Sweet City Woman” and other songs. Info: tickets.surrey.ca, 604-501-5566.
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, 604-599-3077.
KIDS/YOUTH
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.
WORKSHOPS
Kids Zone Arts & Craft Workshops at Newton Cultural Centre hosted by the Arts Council of Surrey, on May 3 and 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, 604-6213633.
Free 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 poetry on May 14 and 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.
GROUPS
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.
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, 604585-7409 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: peacearchchorus.ca.
VOLUNTEERS
Community Thrift Store in Newton: “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 Donna at 604599-9930 or visit shscommunitythriftstore. com/volunteer to learn more.
GALLERIES
Enter the Connectome Art Party at Surrey Art Gallery on Saturday, April 26, 6 to 9 p.m.
“Inspired by Willa Downing’s artwork Connectome (referencing neural mapping), we invite you into a gathering space of conversation and creativity. With Z·inc Artist Collective members, along with graphic facilitator Zoe Cilliers and Assistant Curator Rhys Edwards, contribute to a wide-ranging discussion about the connection of art, science, ecology, and consciousness. The evening will
also include collaborative artmaking activities and the relaunch of the SAGA shop.” At Bear Creek Park, 88 Ave./King George Blvd. 604-501-5566, Surrey.ca/artgallery.
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.
ARTS ACTIVITIES
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.
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.
The art gallery at Newton Cultural Centre during the opening of two exhibits (Margaret Skogland’s “Wildlife Art in Coloured Pencil and Pastel” and Lukas Smith-Weston’s “West of the Rockies” photos) on Saturday, April 12. The art show can be seen there until April 29. (Cory Woodcock/Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)
Tea sommelier Satbir Thind speaks during a Belinda’s Connection Café event at Newton Cultural Centre in Surrey in January 2025. The events, for 55+ seniors, are held monthly at the facility on 72 Avenue. See listing under Seniors. (Tom Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader)
