By Joon Sohn
The other week, I had the opportunity to take a bus ride along Route 531, to explore the burgeoning industrial hub of Campbell Heights. As I gazed out the window, in awe of the size and scale of the manufacturing and commerce in the area, it became abundantly clear that one basic amenity was missing: bus shelters.
Covering 1,900 acres, Campbell Heights is an industrial powerhouse within Metro Vancouver and a vital contributor to Surrey’s economy. It hosts 32 per cent of the city’s industrial inventory and delivered 30 per cent of the Metro Vancouver Regional District’s new industrial supply between 2018 and 2022.
Since 2004, Campbell Heights has witnessed extraordinary growth, with over 2.4 million square feet of office, commercial, and industrial space being built. Prominent local businesses such as Starline Windows, Mercana Furniture and Décor, and Van Gogh Designs have established roots in this business park, alongside industry giants such as Loblaws, Walmart, Amazon, Sobeys, and Sleep Country.
However, as the industrial sector in Campbell Heights continues to expand and grow, so does the demand for reliable and accessible transit options for workers, many of whom commute from Newton, Whalley, and Clayton Heights.
According to TransLink, ridership on Route 531 has surged by 60 per cent over pre-pandemic levels, with an additional 1,300 boardings on average weekdays (as of September 2023). This pressure on transit will only continue to grow, as the development of Campbell Heights and South Campbell Heights brings in 30,000 workers to the area by 2050.
Yet, despite the critical role that Campbell Heights plays in Surrey and in Metro Vancouver’s economy, the absence of bus shelters poses a major inconvenience as well as safety concerns. It leaves many workers exposed to the elements while waiting for buses, dissuading them from utilizing it, and in turn, exacerbating traffic congestion. Adding bus shelters is the least we can do to improve the transit experience.
Investing in bus shelters is an investment in workers, an investment in business, and an investment in our environment. It is time for the City of Surrey to prioritize the installation of bus shelters along Route 531 in Campbell Heights.
Joon Sohn works for the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber serves the Cloverdale, Clayton, and Campbell Heights business communities.
