Surrey City Council Updates Streamside Protection and Urban Forest Management Bylaw

SURREY, BC — Surrey City Council approved significant amendments to the municipal Streamside Protection Bylaw and Tree Preservation Policy, mandating a 2:1 tree replacement ratio for all urban redevelopment permits.

Urban Canopy Expansion and Riparian Setbacks

Environment Committee Chair Pardeep Kooner stated that the revised policy establishes mandatory 30-meter ecological buffer zones along salmon-bearing tributaries of the Serpentine and Nicomekl rivers while increasing financial security deposits developers must post before clearing construction sites.

Councillor Mike Bose emphasized that preserving mature tree canopies in Fleetwood and Grandview Heights mitigates urban heat island effects and prevents flash flooding during atmospheric river storms.

Developer Compliance and Community Input

Environmental advocacy organizations commended the council for strengthening streamside ecological penalties, while building associations discussed compliance timelines for active residential permits.

Council authorized the Urban Forestry Department to distribute 5,000 subsidized native shade trees to Surrey homeowners during the annual Spring Tree Sale.

Implementation Roadmap

The updated Streamside Protection Bylaw takes effect across all Surrey planning districts on April 1, 2026.