Last week was the first Newton Talks of 2018. This year we changed locations to the Greek Corner near the Newton Save on Foods due to Fays Family Restaurant closing recently. This closure follows an extensive line of local independent businesses that have shut their doors for good or relocated out of the Newton Town Center. If you recall this was ABC restaurant. Even further back Earls closed shop and moved to Scott Road along with the Running Room, Le Chateau, Deserres, Office Depot, Moxies, Willow Games and Beach Basket to name just a few. Even Safeway which has been part of the community for decades is closing. Are these signs similar to canaries in the coal mine or just the natural competitive nature of the business cycle? The strength of any community is improved and enriched by an abundance of vibrant independently owned small businesses. How do we retain and attract more of these businesses into the heart of Surrey, Newton.
Most ideas start with a conversation and that’s what Newton Talks is all about. This month Councilor Dave Woods provided an update on the City of Surrey’s progress in the area. Upgrades to Newton Athletic, the importance of Light Rapid Transit, community engagement on the Canada 150 mural and the Community Center renovations. The real question I wanted to ask was if he was going to run in the upcoming civic election this fall? Is Surrey First going to be able to maintain their strangle hold at City Hall or will they self-implode with infighting? Who is the upcoming opposition or is Diane Watts going to make a come back now that she has been defeated in the recent provincial leadership race? Debate, conversation and questions are extremely healthy for a community and we should be talking openly about the direction and future of Surrey.
MP Jinny Sims also joined the conversation confirming the provincial governments support of LRT. However, there is still no details on mobility pricing to cover the municipalities remaining 30% responsibility of the project. In addition, the debate on technology continues in the media with many residents supporting the alternative of Skytrain for Langley and nothing for Newton. I will always choose Newton over Langley.
Cheers,
