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The Fleetwood community in Surrey, British Columbia, stands on the brink of significant change with the Fleetwood Community Plan (the “Fleetwood Plan”) & the upcoming extension of the SkyTrain system to include a Fleetwood Skytrain station. This will transform this vibrant neighborhood into a key hub within Metro Vancouver’s expanding transit network. This article explores the Fleetwood SkyTrain plan, its community impact, and the exciting developments on the horizon.
Fleetwood Station: A New Gateway to Surrey
Central to this transformation is the planned Fleetwood station, a crucial component of the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension. This new station will revolutionize local transportation and act as a catalyst for urban development and community growth.
Key Features of Fleetwood Station
- Location: The station will be situated near the intersection of 160 Street and Fraser Highway, offering convenient access for residents and commuters.
- Design: While final designs are pending, expectations are for modern architecture that enhances the evolving Fleetwood skyline.
- Accessibility: In line with all new SkyTrain stations, Fleetwood station will prioritize full accessibility, featuring elevators, escalators, and wide platforms to accommodate all passengers.
- Integration: The station will connect seamlessly with local bus routes, bike paths, and pedestrian walkways, creating a comprehensive multi-modal transit hub.
The Surrey SkyTrain Stations: Expanding the Network
Fleetwood station represents just one part of a larger initiative to extend the SkyTrain network in Surrey. This expansion will dramatically improve regional connectivity and reshape Surrey’s urban landscape.
Surrey SkyTrain Extension Overview
- Route: The Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension will follow Fraser Highway, linking King George Station to Langley City Centre.
- Length: Approximately 16 kilometers of track will be added to the existing Expo Line.
- New Stations: Besides Fleetwood, the extension includes stops at 140 Street, 152 Street, 166 Street, 184 Street, 190 Street, 196 Street, and 203 Street.
- Timeline: Construction is slated to begin in 2024, with operations expected to commence by 2028.
Impact on Surrey’s Transportation Network
The expansion of Surrey SkyTrain stations will profoundly affect the city’s transportation infrastructure:
INTRODUCTION TO THE FLEETWOOD PLAN PHASE 1
- Reduced Travel Times: The SkyTrain will provide faster, more reliable transit options, with an estimated 22-minute journey from King George Station to Langley City Centre.
- Increased Ridership: TransLink projects 62,000 daily riders by 2035, which should significantly alleviate road congestion.
- Environmental Benefits: Encouraging public transit use will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Surrey’s sustainability objectives.
- Economic Growth: Enhanced transit connectivity is expected to drive economic development along the SkyTrain corridor, including Fleetwood.
The Fleetwood Community Plan: A Vision for the Future
The Fleetwood SkyTrain plan forms a central pillar of the broader Fleetwood Community Plan, which aims to guide the area’s growth and development in coming decades.
Key Objectives of the Fleetwood Plan
- Transit-Oriented Development: Promoting high-density, mixed-use development near SkyTrain stations to foster walkable, livable community.
- Housing Diversity: the Fleetwood Plan offers a range of housing options to meet Surrey’s growing population needs, from affordable rentals to luxury condos.
- Green Spaces: Maintaining and enhancing Fleetwood’s natural areas, including parks and urban forests.
- Community Amenities: Developing new public spaces, recreational facilities, and cultural venues to serve the expanding population.
- Economic Development: Attracting businesses and creating local job opportunities to reduce commute times and build a vibrant local economy.
New Construction and Development in Fleetwood
The announcement of the Fleetwood SkyTrain & the corresponding Fleetwood Plan has sparked significant interest from developers and investors. Various new construction projects are in different stages of planning and development:
Residential Developments
- Transit-Oriented Communities: Plans for high-rise condominiums and apartment buildings near the station aim to provide easy transit access for residents.
- Townhouse Complexes: Several townhouse developments are underway, offering family-friendly housing within walking distance of the future SkyTrain.
- Mixed-Use Buildings: Proposals combining ground-floor retail with residential units above seek to create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods.
Commercial and Retail Spaces
- Office Buildings: New office spaces are in the planning stages to accommodate businesses looking to relocate or expand in Fleetwood.
- Retail Plazas: Shopping centers and street-level retail spaces feature in development plans, ensuring residents have nearby access to amenities.
- Entertainment Venues: Proposals for movie theaters, restaurants, and other entertainment facilities aim to enhance Fleetwood’s nightlife and cultural scene.
New Amenities Enhancing Fleetwood’s Livability
The Fleetwood Plan includes the development of several new amenities to serve the growing population:
- Community Centers: The Fleetwood Plan includes for expanded community centers featuring fitness facilities, meeting spaces, and programming for all ages.
- Parks and Recreation: New parks, playgrounds, and sports fields to promote active lifestyles and community engagement.
- Libraries: The Fleetwood Plan includes a proposal for a state-of-the-art library branch to serve as a hub for learning and community gatherings.
- Healthcare Facilities: Expanded medical clinics and wellness centers to ensure access to quality healthcare services.
- Educational Institutions: New schools and educational facilities to accommodate the influx of families to the area.
Sustainability: Aligning with Surrey’s Environmental Goals
The Fleetwood SkyTrain plays a crucial role in advancing Surrey’s sustainability objectives. By promoting public transit use and supporting transit-oriented development, the Fleetwood Plan aligns closely with the city’s environmental targets and contributes to a greener future for Metro Vancouver.
Key Sustainability Metrics and Goals
- Carbon Emission Reduction: Surrey aims to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. The SkyTrain extension is expected to contribute significantly to this goal by:
- Reducing car dependency and contributing to emission reductions in line with city projections..
- Encouraging the use of electric public transit, aligning with Surrey’s move towards cleaner energy sources.
- Green Building Standards: New developments around Fleetwood station and other Surrey SkyTrain stations will be required to meet stringent green building standards, including:
- LEED certification requirements for larger developments.
- Implementation of energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources.
- Urban Forest Enhancement: Surrey’s Urban Forest Strategy aims to increase tree canopy coverage to 30% by 2040. The Fleetwood plan incorporates:
- Green corridor development along the SkyTrain route.
- Requirements for developers to include green spaces and tree planting in new projects.
- Sustainable Transportation Target: Surrey aims to have 60% of trips within the city made by sustainable modes (walking, cycling, transit) by 2041. The SkyTrain extension is a cornerstone of this goal, providing:
- Improved connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians to transit hubs.
- Incentives for residents to choose public transit over personal vehicles.
- Water Management: The plan includes sustainable water management practices, such as:
- Implementation of rain gardens and bioswales near stations to manage stormwater runoff.
- Requirements for water-efficient fixtures in new developments.
By integrating these sustainability measures, the Fleetwood SkyTrain not only enhances transit options but also contributes substantially to Surrey’s broader environmental goals, creating a more livable and sustainable community for future generations.
Housing Developments: Reshaping Fleetwood’s Real Estate Landscape
The Fleetwood SkyTrain plan is set to have a significant impact on the local real estate market, potentially reshaping housing trends and property values in the area. This is hardly unique to Fleetwood as Skytrain proximity has proven to be very impactful for real estate across Metro Vancouver. This section explores the anticipated effects of the The Fleetwood Plan on housing developments and what it means for current and future residents.
Increased Housing Demand
- Transit-Oriented Development: The area around the Fleetwood skytrain is likely to see a surge in housing demand due to improved transit accessibility. This could lead to:
- Higher density residential projects, including mid-rise and high-rise apartments.
- Mixed-use developments combining residential units with commercial spaces.
- Attracting New Residents: The improved connectivity to downtown Vancouver and other key areas may draw new residents to Fleetwood, including:
- Young professionals seeking more affordable housing options.
- Families looking for larger living spaces with good transit access.
Potential Impact on Property Values
- Value Appreciation: Properties near Fleetwood station and along the SkyTrain corridor may see significant appreciation in value:
- Historical data from other SkyTrain expansions suggest potential increases of 5-10% for properties within a 1km radius of stations (exact figures may vary) & past results do not guarantee future performance.
- This appreciation could begin even before the SkyTrain is operational, as investors and homebuyers anticipate future benefits.
- Rental Market Changes: The rental market in Fleetwood might also see shifts because of the Fleetwood Plan:
- Potential increase in rental rates due to higher demand.
- Growing interest from investors in purchasing properties for rental purposes.
Interactive Map Showing Land Use for Fleetwood Skytrain Plan
Affordable Housing Initiatives
- City Planning Measures: To maintain housing affordability in the face of potential price increases, Surrey may implement:
- Inclusionary zoning policies requiring a percentage of new developments to include affordable units.
- Density bonusing programs that allow developers to build higher in exchange for providing affordable housing or other community amenities.
- Diverse Housing Options: The Fleetwood plan emphasizes the need for a range of housing types to cater to diverse needs:
- Purpose-built rental apartments to ensure long-term rental stock.
- Townhouses and family-sized units to accommodate growing families.
- Senior-friendly housing options to support aging in place.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Balancing Growth and Community Character: As new developments arise, there will be a need to balance growth with preserving Fleetwood’s existing community character:
- Implementation of design guidelines to ensure new buildings complement the existing neighborhood aesthetic.
- Preservation of heritage buildings and green spaces to maintain Fleetwood’s unique identity.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: The influx of new residents will necessitate upgrades to local infrastructure:
- Expansion of schools, healthcare facilities, and community centers to support population growth.
- Enhancement of local amenities, parks, and recreational facilities to maintain quality of life for all residents.
The housing developments spurred by the Fleetwood plan present both challenges and opportunities. While the potential for increased property values and new housing options is exciting, it also underscores the importance of careful planning to ensure that Fleetwood remains an inclusive, affordable, and desirable place to live for both current and future residents.
Long-Term Vision: Fleetwood in 2050
The Fleetwood plan lays the groundwork for a long-term community vision. The Fleetwood Plan is a comprehensive plan that spans over 30 years, guiding the area’s development well into the 2050s. By then, Fleetwood aims to be:
- A Transit Hub: With the SkyTrain at its core, Fleetwood will connect seamlessly to the rest of Metro Vancouver, appealing to both residents and businesses.
- A Sustainable Community: Green building practices, energy-efficient infrastructure, and abundant green spaces will showcase sustainable urban development.
- A Cultural Destination: New theaters, galleries, and public art installations will elevate Fleetwood’s status as a center for arts and culture in Surrey.
- An Innovation District: By attracting tech startups and established companies, Fleetwood aspires to become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
- A Diverse, Inclusive Neighborhood: A mix of housing options and community services will ensure Fleetwood remains welcoming to people of all backgrounds and life stages.
The Fleetwood Plan’s vision extends beyond physical infrastructure to encompass a holistic approach to community building. A key aspect of this vision is the steady growth of housing options. The plan aligns with the area’s buildout capacity of 2000 units annually.
It’s important to note that buildout capacity is a complex metric. It takes into account not just the physical space available for construction, but also factors such as resource availability, transit capacity, population projections, and various other components that impact the practicality of development in a particular area. This comprehensive approach ensures that growth is sustainable and well-managed over the long term.
The Fleetwood plan is designed to be implemented in stages, allowing for adaptability and refinement over time. While the current focus is on Stage 1, which sets the foundation for the next three decades of development, planning for the future continues. Stage 2 of the plan, which will further refine and extend the vision, is expected to be ready for review in Spring/Fall 2024. This phased approach allows for community feedback and adjustments based on emerging trends and needs.
As Fleetwood evolves over the coming decades, the SkyTrain will serve as both a literal and metaphorical backbone for the community. It will not only provide efficient transportation but also act as a catalyst for the kind of transit-oriented, sustainable, and vibrant community envisioned in the plan. The gradual implementation of this vision will transform Fleetwood into a model of modern urban planning, blending the best aspects of suburban living with the connectivity and amenities of a major urban center.
Challenges and Considerations
While the Fleetwood SkyTrain plan offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges for the community and city planners to address:
- Affordability: Maintaining housing affordability as property values rise due to improved transit access.
- Preserving Community Character: Striking a balance between new development and the preservation of Fleetwood’s existing neighborhoods and green spaces.
- Traffic Management: Addressing potential increases in local traffic as the area becomes more densely populated.
- Construction Impacts: Minimizing disruption to residents and businesses during the construction of the SkyTrain and associated developments.
A Bright Future for Fleetwood
The Fleetwood SkyTrain plan marks a pivotal moment in Surrey’s urban development. This ambitious project intertwines efficient public transit with thoughtful city planning, positioning Fleetwood as a highly sought-after neighborhood in Metro Vancouver.
As the SkyTrain extension takes shape and the community plan unfolds, excitement builds for both current residents and potential newcomers. Fleetwood’s transformation promises a more connected, sustainable, and dynamic living environment.
The opportunities in Fleetwood are ripe for exploration. Whether you’re in search of a new home, a location to launch a business, or simply drawn to a community on an upward trajectory, Fleetwood offers an enticing mix. Here, urban conveniences blend seamlessly with suburban charm, all enhanced by the forthcoming world-class public transit system.
Looking ahead, Fleetwood’s evolution extends far beyond the rails and stations of the new SkyTrain. It encompasses a vision of a thriving, inclusive community that will shape Surrey’s landscape for decades to come. As this vision becomes reality, Fleetwood stands poised to exemplify the best of urban planning and community development in the 21st century.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the Fleetwood SkyTrain plan?
A1: The Fleetwood SkyTrain plan is a comprehensive urban development initiative centered around the extension of the SkyTrain system to the Fleetwood neighborhood in Surrey, British Columbia as part of a larger Surrey-Langley Skytrain extension. It encompasses transit infrastructure development, community planning, and sustainable growth strategies aimed at transforming Fleetwood into a vibrant, connected, and livable urban center.
Q2: When will the Fleetwood station be operational?
A2: According to current projections, the Fleetwood station is expected to be operational by 2028. Construction of the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension, which includes Fleetwood, is slated to begin in 2024.
Q3: How will the Fleetwood SkyTrain impact the local community?
A3: The station is expected to have significant positive impacts on the local community, including improved transit accessibility, increased property values, new housing and commercial developments, and enhanced community amenities. It will serve as a catalyst for transit-oriented development in the area.
Q4: How many Surrey SkyTrain stations are included in this extension?
A4: The Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension, which includes the Fleetwood station, will add several new stations to the network. Besides Fleetwood, new stations are planned at 140 Street, 152 Street, 166 Street, 184 Street, 190 Street, 196 Street, and 203 Street.
Q5: How does the Fleetwood SkyTrain plan align with Surrey’s sustainability goals?
A5: The Fleetwood SkyTrain plan aligns closely with Surrey’s sustainability goals by promoting public transit use, supporting transit-oriented development, and incorporating green building standards. It aims to reduce carbon emissions, enhance urban forest coverage, and contribute to Surrey’s target of having 60% of trips made by sustainable modes by 2041.
Q6: What is the long-term vision for the Fleetwood Community Plan?
A6: The long-term vision for Fleetwood, extending to 2050 and beyond, sees it becoming a transit hub, a sustainable community, a cultural destination, an innovation district, and a diverse, inclusive neighborhood. The plan includes provisions for steady housing growth, with a buildout capacity of 2000 units annually.
Q7: How will the Fleetwood SkyTrain plan affect housing in the area?
A7: The Fleetwood SkyTrain plan is expected to significantly impact housing in the area. It will likely lead to increased housing demand, potential property value appreciation, and the development of diverse housing options, including high-density residential projects near the Fleetwood station. The plan also includes measures to address affordability and maintain community character amidst this growth.
Q8: What are the next stages in the Fleetwood SkyTrain plan?
A8: While the current focus is on implementing Stage 1 of the plan, which covers the next 30+ years, planning for the future continues. Stage 2 of the plan, which will further refine and extend the vision, is expected to be ready for review in Spring/Fall 2024.
Updated on October 25, 2024 by Matt Scalena PREC.
