The tallest building in Surrey history is getting closer to being approved

After a public hearing on Monday, Surrey city council gave the go-ahead for the 67-story tower project, which would be the highest structure in Surrey, British Columbia. The venture was approved by a unanimous vote of the council members.

The Surrey Central SkyTrain Station is nearby the mixed-use high-rise that is being considered for King George Boulevard and 102 Avenue. The building, if authorized, would have 746 residential units, a seven-story podium for businesses and offices, and an eight-story podium for apartments.

The planned structure, according to Coun. Doug Elford, will serve as Surrey's downtown anchor and is consistent with regional planning for Metro Vancouver. "It's on one of the busiest roads … It's located in the right spot", he stated in an interview.

Coun. Mandeep Nagra expressed his excitement about the situation on Monday. More specifically, in the construction sector, he predicted that many workers would struggle as loan rates rose and development slowed. Moving forward, "I think we should look at some sort of incentives so that we can keep our jobs going," he stated.

At the public hearing on Monday, locals got the opportunity to voice their worries on the proposed skyscraper. Richard Landale, a resident of Fleetwood, expressed his concern about traffic. "Will the public be safe? Will traffic be safe in this immediate intersection area? I don't think so", he said.

Elford asserted that he did not share these worries and cited the requirement for additional homes in the region. Elford stated, "It's going to have a fair amount of units and we are desperately in need of housing in Surrey".

The building developer will need to comply with the council's requirements after the third reading. The proposal will then be put on the council's agenda for final adoption after that is finished.