News brief: City of Surrey recognized for leadership in accessibility and cultural spaces

The City of Surrey received two provincial honours from the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA), recognizing the city’s leadership in creating inclusive, accessible, and culturally engaging and enriching public spaces. 

The awards highlight ongoing efforts to create more welcoming public spaces, reflecting the city’s rapid growth and diverse population.

“We are building a city where everyone matters—a place that celebrates diversity, supports families, and fosters a sense of belonging,” Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said in a press release.  

The Community Leadership Award was presented to the Surrey Accessibility Leadership Team (SALT) for its ongoing work, which fosters an inclusive environment throughout parks, recreational and cultural programs, and services. 

SALT is made up of both the City of Surrey staff and community members who bring a wide range of lived experiences. The teams’ initiatives include addressing systematic barriers and advocating for equitable access to public spaces, such as advising on creating accessible playgrounds and parks and consulting on inclusive program development. 

“We are incredibly proud of the Surrey Accessibility Leadership Team for being recognized with the Community Leadership Award,” said Amit Sharma, co-chair of SALT. “[It] reflects the dedication and vision of a team committed to building a more inclusive city.”

The Facility Excellence Award was presented to the Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House. The award recognizes a facility that reflects community culture and contributes to the well-being of a community. 

Totest Aleng is a living space for Indigenous knowledge and cultural expression, supporting artists, residencies, ceremonies, gatherings, intergenerational teachings, language learning, and Indigenous worldwide views. 

“This is a special space that enables a broad range of Indigenous cultural programming and celebrates community connections and learning. We’re honoured to see it recognized this way,” said Kristin Hardie, heritage services manager for the City of Surrey.

The facility enables a diversity of programming from our residences and ceremonial gatherings to social workshops and public events which foster connections and healing altogether. 

The BC Recreation and Parks Association’s annual awards serve as a spotlight on the changemakers — individuals, organizations, and municipalities — who are reimagining how recreation, parks, and community spaces can serve people more meaningfully.