More Knowledge-based Jobs and Investment:
Surrey First to Diversify and Further Expand “Innovation Boulevard”

SURREY, BC: The unique Innovation Boulevard approach that has brought investment and jobs to Surrey in the multi-billion dollar healthcare industry will be expanded by Surrey First, by diversifying it into the environmental sector and agriculture sectors.

“Creating Innovation Boulevard took vision, and it’s succeeded in creating a working partnership of health industry partners, more than 100 business, four universities and government working to research and develop medical devices, digital health technologies, and ways to encourage more independent living,” said Surrey First mayoral candidate Linda Hepner. “Knowing this vision has worked, we will take Innovation Boulevard to the next level by finding similar working partnerships, and attracting new partners, in the field of agricultural technology, and cleantech industries.  These industry clusters will attract investment and students, and create well-paying knowledge-based jobs here in Surrey.”

Surrey is already home to 10 per cent of BC’s clean energy industry, so a Centre of Excellence for Clean Technology will be established at Simon Fraser University to build on that progress.  An Agriculture Innovation Living Lab will also be created to develop sustainably produced foods.

In addition, Special Industrial Corridors will offer tax incentives for job-creating businesses. They will receive property tax and development cost breaks if they invest those savings in apprenticeships and trades training.

“We all know the lower mainland’s future growth is coming south of the Fraser, and by attracting significant investment, and creating long-term, well paying jobs, we will be able to ensure Surrey will serve as the core municipality that will drive the economy for the entire region for decades to come.”

For more information about Surrey First’s Innovation Boulevard Policy please click here