South Surrey Supportive Housing Project Gains Momentum Despite Challenges

South Surrey could soon see its first supportive housing facility thanks to the efforts of Embrace Community Housing Society, a non-profit developer committed to creating long-term housing solutions for vulnerable residents. While the initiative has received encouragement from a local MP, it also faces zoning and land-use hurdles from the City of Surrey.

A Vision for Supportive Housing in the South

For years, most of Surrey’s supportive housing projects have been concentrated in the north, leaving the south without permanent resources. Recognizing this gap, Upkar Singh Tatlay, CEO and founder of Embrace Community Housing Society, set his sights on a parcel of land at 168 Street and 9 Avenue. The site—about one and a half times the size of a soccer field—is currently home to a single residence, bordered by trees and open land near The Hills at Portal Golf Club.

Tatlay’s plan is ambitious: a four- to six-storey building where the main floor would house health care, social services, and government resources, while the upper floors would provide supportive housing units. “We often get calls from social workers who are about to discharge people with nowhere to go,” Tatlay explained, highlighting the need for safe and stable housing, especially for seniors and youth.

Zoning Hurdles and City Concerns

Despite strong interest shown during community consultations, Surrey’s planning department raised concerns. The parcel is adjacent to the Agricultural Land Reserve, lacks municipal water and sewer connections, and is not zoned for supportive housing. City officials emphasized that these challenges add costs and require additional approvals.

Tatlay, however, believes the obstacles are solvable. “A lot of these things can be worked out, especially in an area facing a land crunch,” he said, noting that supportive housing is already an urgent priority across Metro Vancouver.

Political Support Emerging

The project gained traction recently when Ernie Klassen, newly elected MP for South Surrey–White Rock and a former White Rock city councillor, pledged his support. Klassen has long advocated for sustainable housing solutions and has already spoken with federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson about potential funding.

“They are part of our community and I always felt like they belonged—this is their home,” Klassen said, emphasizing the need for wraparound services to help unhoused and mentally ill residents reintegrate into society. Klassen also acknowledged that the location isn’t ideal but added, “It could work, we could make it work.” If the federal government provides support, Tatlay said he would then approach the province and B.C. Housing for additional funding.

Why the Project Matters Now

The urgency has only grown as White Rock council decided not to reopen its daytime warming shelter this winter due to cost. For Tatlay and Klassen, this decision underscores the importance of securing a permanent supportive housing facility on the Semiahmoo Peninsula.

“I was the driving force for the warming shelter for years,” Klassen said. “If I can’t support it at that table anymore, then I’ll do it through other ways—because we need this here.”

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