Surrey’s ‘Our City’ Beautification Campaign Empowers Neighbourhood Creativity
A City Transformed: Surrey’s ‘Our City’ Campaign Turns Streets into Community Canvases
From murals to gardens, Surrey residents are reimagining their neighbourhoods with colour, culture, and collective pride—one project at a time. Our City Beautification Campaign has been a driving force behind these creative transformations, bringing communities together.
Community Art in Action: A Movement Blossoms Across Surrey
Surrey, BC—A quiet but powerful urban transformation is taking shape across Surrey’s neighbourhoods. The city’s Our City Beautification Campaign, launched earlier this year, is empowering residents to redesign public spaces through art, gardens, and creative placemaking projects. The initiative is already turning sidewalks into murals, walls into stories, and empty lots into thriving community gardens—all driven by the people who live there.
With more than 75 neighbourhood-led projects approved in just three months, the Our City campaign is not just about beautification. It’s a growing movement redefining how Surrey sees itself and how residents connect with the place they call home.
Behind the Brush: Why ‘Our City’ Is Striking a Chord
Surrey’s rapid growth and diverse population have created a unique challenge—and opportunity. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, Surrey has long struggled with disconnected neighbourhood identities and underutilized public spaces.
The Our City initiative, part of the city’s larger Beautification Strategy, was created to change that narrative by giving residents the tools, funding, and freedom to design projects that reflect their culture, pride, and values.
“People want to feel a sense of ownership in their community,” said Anjali Grewal, Urban Planner with the City of Surrey. “When residents design their own spaces, it fosters belonging and care. That’s what Our City is all about.”
Projects are as diverse as the city itself:
- A Punjabi poetry mural in Newton celebrating language and heritage
- A reclaimed alleyway in Whalley transformed into a butterfly garden
- A multi-generational mosaic project in Cloverdale designed by seniors and students
All are supported through microgrants of up to $3,000, mentorship from city staff, and partnerships with local artists and organizations.
From Patchwork to Pride: The Power of Local Voices
Experts say the campaign reflects a larger trend toward community-led urbanism, where everyday citizens shape the aesthetics and atmosphere of their cities.
“Grassroots beautification is more than cosmetic,” said Dr. Joanne Leung, an urban sociologist at Simon Fraser University. “It’s about identity, mental well-being, and civic engagement. These small projects can have lasting social impact.”
And the numbers back that up. According to a 2023 report from the Canadian Urban Institute, neighbourhood beautification initiatives are linked to reduced crime, improved mental health, and increased property values.
The success of Our City is also sparking conversations about long-term change. Residents are calling for permanent funding, simplified application processes, and stronger ties between city departments and local groups to ensure the momentum continues.
Where We Grow from Here: Challenges, Momentum, and Vision
The Our City campaign still faces hurdles. Language barriers, bureaucratic red tape, and unequal access to resources remain real concerns for some communities. But the overwhelming public sentiment is one of optimism and empowerment.
Local resident Tara Bhullar, who helped lead a street mural in Fleetwood, shared:
“This isn’t just art. It’s healing. It’s storytelling. It’s showing our kids they belong.”
As Surrey looks ahead to becoming BC’s largest city by 2030, initiatives like Our City offer a roadmap—not just for beautification, but for resilience, cohesion, and civic pride.
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