Surrey’s $310 Million Newton Community Centre Faces Tariff Challenges

Surrey’s ambitious plan for the new Newton Community Centre is set to enhance recreational and cultural services for the growing community in Newton. The project, valued at $310.6 million, aims to create a state-of-the-art facility that will be approximately 175,000 square feet (16,260 square metres) in size. Located just west of the Newton Seniors Centre on 70th Avenue, the centre will include a 50-metre swimming pool, a leisure pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and amenities similar to those at the Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre.

The new community hub will feature two full-sized gymnasiums, a fitness centre, a mat-room, multi-purpose rooms, childcare facilities, and dedicated spaces for arts programming. Additionally, it will house a library that will be nearly double the size of the current Newton branch. This significant project is currently in the preliminary planning stage, with a design-build team expected to be selected before the end of 2025.

As part of the planning process, the city is preparing the site for construction. This includes tasks such as demolishing existing structures and conducting geotechnical testing and environmental assessments. The report submitted to the Surrey City Council outlines that the timeline for the completion of the Newton Community Centre has shifted, with construction set to commence next year and now anticipated to finish by 2030.

The implications of the ongoing global trade dispute concerning tariffs may affect the project’s budget, particularly as many materials will be sourced from the United States. Although city staff have only noted minor impacts from tariffs so far, the tendering process for other expansion and upgrade projects will provide deeper insights.

To mitigate potential cost increases, city staff are collaborating with design and construction teams to identify and secure the most affordable building materials available. They have committed to keeping the council informed about any significant impacts related to tariffs as the project progresses.

In addition to the Newton Community Centre, Surrey is also advancing other major initiatives, including the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex, the Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre expansion, and Fire Hall No. 6. The city is also undertaking a comprehensive review of available construction contract models to improve project delivery and outcomes.

As these developments unfold, the city remains focused on ensuring that the Newton Community Centre becomes a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible resource for the community, enhancing recreation, culture, and library services for years to come.