Raveena Oberoi is a familiar face in Newton, where she runs Just Cakes Bakeshop, and now she’s known for TV appearances too – quite a leap for someone who was once a shy teen who turned to baking as a way to cope with life.
The award-winning entrepreneur and pastry chef is a contestant on the latest season of Spring Baking Championship, a Food Network show that started Monday, March 10 and streams on CityTV.
Pre-pandemic, Oberoi’s time on TV started with a Halloween-themed episode of The Big Bake in 2019, followed by work as a judge on Prime Video’s Wall of Bakers in 2022.
This time, she flew to L.A. to bake on the Jesse Palmer-hostedSpring Baking Championship, as the only competitor from B.C.
“I didn’t know how I was going to leave the (Just Cakes) business for that long, but we made it work,” Oberoi said. “I thought it was a great opportunity, and I’m super happy that I did it.”
With filming wrapped and Oberoi silenced, people will have to tune in to see how she fared among 13 competitive bakers in the show’s whimsical Little Shop of Spring Magic.
Years ago, Oberoi got into the
baking business while still in high school, then studied at UBC, travelled to Paris to learn the art of pastry and opened Just Cakes in Newton.
“It’ll be eight years in July on Scott Road (at 75A Avenue), it’s been great,” she said. “I’m from Abbotsford, so I was doing this from home, right, and literally every other day I would find myself in Surrey because a lot of my customers were in Surrey, so I considered Surrey my first choice because of all of the weddings and banquet halls were that way.”
The experience of opening the bakery wasn’t always sweet.
“The space had to be gutted but we got a good rate and did a lot of improvements,” Oberoi recalled.
“We did the work, took out a loan.
The banks didn’t really trust me but took a chance, for sure, and slowly, slowly built the kitchen and did the best I could with what we had. It started with two tables, just crazy, and we added another table, a mixer, all this stuff, and it took a few years to slowly build it up.”
Cakes are baked in Newton and also a kitchen/warehouse space in Cloverdale, where Oberoi recently hosted a cake-tasting event for potential clients.
Right now she’s also focused on making and selling Gummy Gainz, a protein candy she created
in partnership with Ben Poss and Mark Motozono.
Oberoi talks passionately about how the business venture got off the ground.
“Mark and Ben, it was kind of their brainchild,” she explained.
“Ben is an amazing trainer, doing that for 20-plus years, and Mark is kind of a serial entrepreneur who’s been in the manufacturing
space, and he likes candy, sweets.
“That’s where the idea was formed that like, hey, a protein gummy would be awesome. They did some research, saw that nothing really existed, so they wanted to come up with something. That’s when the found me through the grapevine and asked me to help work on a recipe. So I did and presented it to them, and they liked
it so much that they asked me to be a partner with them.”
A challenge was mass-producing the gummies without sacrificing quality, and by last October everything was in place for distribution.
“Gummy Gainz are in IGA and Fresh Street stores, and now we’re rolling out at Save-on-Foods and Urban Fares across B.C. and hopefully Alberta, so that’s really exciting, and we’ve seen a lot of success on Amazon as well,” Oberoi added.
“I think it’s the whole notion that protein is important for everyone, not just people who are, you know, more active or athletic. It’s real candy and it’s easy protein — that’s our tagline because we’re not trying to be another sugar-free candy, we’re not trying to be, you know, a health food product, but we are trying to be a better-for-you product, a functional product that can actually be in your day-to-day life that you can feel good about eating.”
The venture seems to be another success story for Oberoi.
“Having a hand in that recipe was special to me because it was something out of my comfort zone, but it was something that we were able to kind of create, and now just seeing the momentum is pretty cool.”
ROAD WORK:
Newton residents will benefit from a newer, wider 132 Street once the City of Surrey finishes up a current project to four-lane the road and add a multiuse path for walking and cycling.
see page 3
SUMMER FUN: Vendors are being sought for the fourth Car Free Day event in Surrey, which is set to return to the streets of Newton June 7.
SPRING
see page 4
HAPPENINGS: Check out what’s going on in Newton this spring – with theatre, concerts, art exhibitions, fundraisers and, of course, Vaisakhi. see page 5
ART IN THE PARK: Colourful murals will soon adorn the exterior walls of buildings at Newton Athletic Park. see page 6
Newton-area motorists will have to drive around work crews on 132 Street for the rest of the year as the city’s road-widening project gets going.
Ground has been broken on the first phase of work to four-lane the increasingly congested corridor, build new left-turn lanes and create a multi-use path for walking and cycling, from 72 Avenue to 74th.
In January, Surrey city council approved $17.3 million in road-work contracts with goals of addressing “the growing demands of Surrey’s transportation network and improve overall road safety for drivers and pedestrians alike.” More than half of the budgeted amount ($9.2 million) is for the “crucial” first phase of 132 Street widening, from two lanes to four.
Construction should be completed late this year, promises a post on the city’s
website (surrey.ca).
Phase 2 work will include road-widening from 76 and 80 avenues this fall, followed by road-widening between 80 and 84 avenues in 2026.
Aging sanitary sewers and watermains along 132 Street will be replaced, bus stops upgraded.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke says the widening of 132 Street, along with all that paving, will reduce congestion, improve road safety and support growth in Newton.
“With Surrey’s population projected to reach one million people as early as in the next 20 years, continued investment in transportation is essential to support the increasing demand for efficient and reliable travel options,” the mayor said in a news release.
“Council has prioritized high growth neighbourhoods such as Newton for road expansion in order to ease congestion and reduce commute times for our citizens.”
Tom Zillich
Work crews on 132 Street and Comber Way in Newton. (City of Surrey/Contributed photo)
NEWTONCOMMUNITY NEWS
Vendors sought for fourth Car Free Day
Admission is free at the block partylike event, set for June 7 on 137
Street
Tom Zillich
Vendors are sought for the fourth Car Free Day Surrey event, set to return to the streets of 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.
Surrey is among nine cities in the region that host Car Free Day events, presented by TransLink as a transit-focused festival, to which travelling by car is not encouraged.
“Whether you’re a local business look-
ing to connect with the community or a food vendor eager to share your delicious creations, Car Free Day Surrey is the perfect opportunity to get involved and make a positive impact,”says a post on carfree.ca/city/surrey.
The website includes a link to ven-
dor and performer applications — for members of Newton Business Improvement Association (BIA), artisan and commercial vendors, food, performers, non-profits and brand activations. The application deadline is May 16, and some fees apply for booth rental.
In Metro Vancouver, on various dates in spring and summer, the number of Car Free Day events has grown in recent years to include Surrey, Maple Ridge, three locations in Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, North Vancouver, New Westminster and Port Moody.
The 2024 Car Free Day Surrey event was the third held in Newton, and planning has begun for the fourth edition.
From noon to 8 p.m., rain or shine, the event will celebrate the businesses with storefronts on 137 Street with extended patios and booths, between 72A and 74 avenues, in addition to multiple activities for people to take part, the BIA says.
Last year’s main-stage performers included Latin fusion group Los Duendes, reggae band Gisto and the Grateful Living, Matt Cook-Contois & Eric Severinson, Matt Hermano, hip-hop artist Peak, Rebecca Sichon, Vanessa Mood and Victoria Groff.
Philip Aguirre, executive director of Newton BIA, says Car Free Day is a chance to take a step toward “a cleaner, greener future by leaving the car keys behind and embracing the joy of walking, biking and public transit”to the event.
“Investing in transit infrastructure isn’t just about moving people from point A and point B, it’s about building communities, reducing congestion and creating a sustainable future for Newton, Surrey, B.C.,” Aguirre said prior to the 2024 event.
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A dancer from Bollywood Dance with Flare Dance performs at Car Free Day in Newton in Surrey on Saturday, June 8, 2024. (Anna Burns/ Surrey Now-Leader)
NEWTONCOMMUNITY NEWS
April events happening in Newton
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 sun-drenched world of The Riddle Key Luxury Retirement Village in Florida.” Info and tickets: nspsociety. com/upcoming-shows.
BUSINESS
Networking night at Options Community Services, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23 at Options Newcomers Hub, 13520 78 Avenue, Surrey, via Surrey Board of Trade. “Enjoy delicious snacks and appetizers from around the world while creating new connections with fellow business community members.” Free.
GALLERIES
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. Lukas Smith-Weston’s “West Of The Rockies” photos are view in the gallery from April 3-29, with an opening reception April 12 from 1-3 p.m. Surrey Art Gallery: Multiple galleries at Bear Creek Park, 88 Ave./King George Blvd. 604-501-5566, Surrey. ca/artgallery. Winter Garden, to April 27; Art by Surrey Secondary Students, to April 27; Atheana Picha: Echoes, to June 18, 2027; Sandeep Johal: It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see, to June 18, 2027.
PARADE
Surrey Khalsa Day (Vaisakhi) parade Saturday, April 19 on streets of Newton, starting at Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar temple, 12885 85 Ave. The annual event celebrates one of the most significant days on the Sikh calendar, the creation of the Khalsa in 1699. Parade attendees are given free
food and drink from hundreds of local residents and businesses. Anyone wanting to serve food must obtain a food permit from Fraser Health, via surreyvaisakhiparade.com, where parade applications are also done.
GROUPS
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, 604-218-2946.
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.
VOLUNTEERS
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 Donna at 604599-9930 or visit shscommunitythriftstore.com/volunteer to learn more.
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
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.
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.
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, 604-5993077.
ATTRACTIONS
Bear Creek Park Train and Mini Golf: Mini train rides through forest at Surrey’s
largest park, 13750 88 Ave. Info: call 604-501-1232, visit bctrains.com
CONCERTS
Raine Hamilton String Trio performs Wednesday, April 9 at Surrey Arts Centre’s Studio Theatre, 7:30 p.m., a Surrey Civic Theatres presentation. “Spend an evening listening to some phenomenal chamber folk music.” Info: tickets.surrey. ca, 604-501-5566.
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.
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.
SALES
Surrey Tree Sale Program: “Surrey residents can buy quality trees at an affordable price to help grow the urban forest.” Purchases are made online and then later picked up from Surrey Operations Centre. The online store opens April 30 at 9 a.m. and runs until May 14, while supplies last. Info: surrey. ca/treesale. At $20 per tree, Surrey residents can beautify their property and help keep Surrey green.
HEALTH
Body-Mind Wellness: BMW Tune-up event at Surrey Arts Centre’s Studio Theatre on Friday, April 25 presented by Greater Vancouver Kriya Yoga Centre. “On his first-time visit to Greater Vancouver, Paramahamsa Prajnanananda Giri, the current living guru of the ancient lineage of Kriya Yoga spiritual masters, will share his love, compassion and infinite wisdom on yoga and the connection between healthy bodies and minds.” Info and tickets: www.kriya. org, or call 604-501-5566.
A young performer performs gatka at a recent Khalsa Day (Vaisakhi) parade in Newton. This year’s event is planned for Saturday, April 19, starting at Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar temple, 12885 85 Ave. See listing under Parade. (Surrey Now-Leader files)
NEWTONCOMMUNITY NEWS
Colourful murals created by artists Ali Bruce and Jag Nagra will soon be painted on the drab exterior walls of buildings at Newton Athletic Park. Bruce’s work will grace the grey pavilion building at the busy park on 128 Street, while Nagra’s art will be painted on the washroom/community room structure.
Surrey council approved their designs and contracts at a Feb. 24 meeting.
“Newton Athletic Park is a premiere destination for sports and athletics in the Lower Mainland, offering a wide range of sports facilities and amenities,”says a report to the council authored by Laurie Cavan, GM of Parks, Recreation & Culture.
“Given the park’s wide popularity and use, it was recommended as a future site for public art in the Public Art Master Plan (2020-2029). Additionally, the extensive public engagement, as part of the Focus Newton campaign,
expressed Newton residents’desire for more public art in Newton.”
The report shows mural renderings on several exterior walls of the two buildings.
“We plan to complete both murals by the end of June,” Cavan told the Now-Leader
The murals are funded through Focus Newton and the city’s Public Art Reserve, the report notes. “Total public art costs for the pavilion project are $20,000, while total costs for
the washroom/community room are $35,000. Costs include artist fees, design development, fabrication/installation, and maintenance.”
The artist and design for the pavilion mural was determined through an open artist call and a two-stage community selection panel, while the washroom/community room mural was through a directed call to artists of South Asian Heritage.
A community selection panel included the president of Surrey FC
Soccer Club, a liaison from the seniors’ user group of the community room, and a local artist with mural experience.
Bruce is an artist and illustrator, originally from northwestern Ontario and now living and working in Vancouver.
A visual artist and community advocate, Nagra has a number of artworks in the Museum of Vancouver’s permanent collection and is a co-founder of the Punjabi Market Collective.
Tom Zillich
A rendering of proposed mural by Jag Nagra on the washroom/community room at Newton Athletic Park. (Image: surrey.ca)
NEWTONCOMMUNITY NEWS
Newton deserves SkyTrain extension
Editor,
As of the 2021 census, 67.1 per cent of Surrey’s population identified as visible minorities, with the South Asian community making up approximately 37.8 per cent of the total population. By 2025, these figures have likely surpassed 70 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively. Given these demographics, it is essential to ensure that public infrastructure investments are equitably distributed across all communities.
Newton, Surrey’s most densely populated region and home to one of the largest South Asian population centres in British Columbia, remains underserved by rapid transit. Despite its economic and cultural significance, Newton lacks the same level of investment seen in other parts of the city. Extending SkyTrain to Newton would not only improve transit accessibility but also support economic growth and social mobility for thousands of residents.
Public funds should be allocated equitably to serve all communities fairly. As a dual property owner in
Surrey contributing substantial property taxes and utility fees, I expect infrastructure projects to reflect the needs of all residents. Yet, Newton continues to lack essential transit. If public investments are meant to enhance quality of life, then why is Newton — one of Surrey’s most vibrant and populous areas — left behind?
Demographic and population data clearly support the case for a SkyTrain extension to Newton. With transit-oriented development shaping Surrey’s future, Newton must not be excluded.
The community deserves the same level of investment in transit and public services as other areas of the city.
The federal and provincial governments, the City of Surrey, and TransLink must take action to ensure Newton receives its fair share of transit expansion.
The time for excuses is over — let’s build a more connected, inclusive, and equitable city.
