Surrey By Choice

#surreybychoice

I often add that hash tag to my posts because I want people to know that I live in this city by choice. First choice. Hands down.

I have heard it said that “it is a cheaper place to live” which implies that if I had more money, I would live elsewhere. It IS a cheaper place to live but I could sell my house and live almost anywhere else that I choose so that isn’t the reason I am #surreybychoice.

I am #surreybychoice because of the people who live here. I am here because of developers like Charan Sethi who has a deep love for Whalley and it’s people.

I am here because of the politicians at city hall. I don’t always agree with everything they do (and I am pretty vocal about that) but I will never question their love for this place.

I am here because of the people at the Surrey BIA and the Newton BIA who aren’t just trying to improve business prospects but are putting in hours of volunteer time to make a community that cares for one another.

I am here because of organizations like DIVERSEcity and Sources, PIKS and Options and numerous other groups that step up to support those who need help and in doing so make our city a better place.

I am #surreybychoice because as a businessperson, I have huge support in my community through Anita Huberman and the Surrey Board of Trade. And if I want to expand a little bit I can party with the Cloverdale Chamber or the South Surrey Chamber.

If I need inspiration, I can meet people like Doug Tennant at Semiahmoo House who is building housing and support for those suffering from brain injury. I can talk to countless entrepreneurs who have chosen Surrey as their base. Their excitement and vision gets me thinking about where I could go.

I am #surreybychoice because I can go to the beach in the morning and then deep into a rain forest in the afternoon.

I am #surreybychoice because of the many recreation centres and sports parks. I can swim, play baseball, go to the gym, the library, hang out at the mall or garden at one of the many community gardens in the city.

Surrey’s art scene is growing up and we are seeing street art, pop-up art, museums that cater to art and children both in Surrey and Cloverdale. We have history and culture which mixes nicely at the many festivals the city has.

I am #surreybychoice because it is making room for artists and musicians. Surrey is recognizing the value of art both economically and to the joy of life. This is never more evidenced then by attending the Surrey International Children’s Festival. If you want a glimpse of what peace on earth could look like, hang out at any of the many festivals in the city. When I say we celebrate culture, we really celebrate culture in this city.

I am definitely #surreybychoice because of the ethnic diversity of this city. More than any other reason, I love this city and the amazing people from all over the world that live here. I can travel to the four corners of the world and not leave my own area. From food, dance, culture and friendship, I can learn about traditions and celebrations from countries I can’t even pronounce. I have learned so much from people and their response to their struggles. I am left both speechless and in awe of the places people have come from and the situations they have overcome.

Do we have problems in this city? Of course. All growing cities have problems. We have crime. (although the rates are going down and we have the best, most respectful, culturally aware police officers in Canada.)

We need to work to do more for our homeless and marginalized people but knowing the heart of the people of this city, I know it is only a matter of organization, the will is there.

We are struggling to find housing for the number of refugees that have settled here but again I have faith in the people of this city and their love and compassion. The refugees stay in Surrey because we are ethnically welcoming. Good for us.

Yes, we can do more. Yes, we need to work hard at digging to the root of problems so we can continue to improve. We need better transportation and more money for schools. We have real issues that we need to deal with but here is the main reason I am #surreybychoice.

Every city has problems, every city has those who help and those who hinder, every city has politics and beauracracy but in Surrey, we have heart. We have open doors and welcoming hands. We have people who are committed to not leaving any child behind. We have people who will go out of their way to help a struggling business, person or animal. We have connection with one another and we have each other’s backs.

That is why I am #surreybychoice