Surrey, B.C. (Richa Walia): Surrey First mayoral candidate Linda Annis has proposed a $555 million redevelopment of the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, outlining a vision to transform the historic site into a major destination for sports, entertainment, exhibitions and shopping.
Annis said the 100-acre property has lacked a comprehensive development plan since 1938 and argued that the time has come to unlock its potential. She said the proposal would create new recreational facilities, attract visitors and support businesses in Cloverdale and the wider Metro Vancouver region.
The proposed investment includes $350 million for a multi-sport and aquatic centre, $150 million for a trade and exhibition facility, $37 million for a new curling rink and $18 million for a vintage truck museum. The projects would form the core of Annis’s proposed redevelopment if she wins the mayoral election scheduled for October 17.
The planned sport and aquatic centre would take inspiration from the Langley Events Centre, but would include a 50-metre pool designed for both community use and competitive swimming. Meanwhile, the proposed 150,000-square-foot trade and exhibition centre would provide space for major events and offer an indoor venue for the annual Cloverdale Rodeo.
Under the proposal, a new curling rink would be constructed beside the Cloverdale Ice Complex. The existing truck museum would be relocated to the Surrey Museum in Cloverdale as part of the broader redevelopment.
Annis also wants to revitalise downtown Cloverdale by working with the local Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement Association to create a distinctive shopping and visitor destination. She cited Fort Langley and District 1881 in Chilliwack as examples of communities whose character and commercial offerings attract visitors. Her plan includes faster project approvals and tax incentives intended to encourage investment.
The proposal also addresses the future of the Elements Casino property. While acknowledging that the owners’ plans remain unclear, Annis said she would support the possibility of a hotel with meeting facilities as part of the site, similar to the hotel and casino development in Langley.
To help finance the fairgrounds projects, Annis proposed exploring public-private partnerships alongside opportunities for commercial, hospitality and retail development along 176 Street.
She said the redevelopment could create new economic opportunities while strengthening Cloverdale’s identity as a historic part of Surrey. However, the $555 million plan remains a campaign proposal, with its delivery dependent on the outcome of the election and the development of financing and implementation arrangements.
Annis said her vision is to turn the fairgrounds into a distinctive regional destination, bringing together recreation, major events and commercial activity after decades of waiting for a long-term plan.
