Surrey Targets Essential Workers with Housing | Vancouver News

Surrey’s council just approved a bold plan to build affordable housing for essential workers right near their workplaces, aiming to solve staffing shortages by making the city more attractive to cops, nurses, teachers, and daycare staff. Inspired by successful models like West Vancouver’s Kiwanis Village West, the proposal offers rent at 75% of market rate — already proven to work for first responders and educators. While Mayor Brenda Locke raised concerns about fairness for higher-paid officers and other struggling residents, the amended plan broadens eligibility to include lower-paid key workers. The city now needs a staff report by September to gauge potential workforce gains and funding needs — with federal support eyed if the model proves viable. It’s a smart, targeted move to keep Surrey running — and its people, too. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0a339b25ee7d51a5