What is Surrey History Footprint?

History Footprints is an ongoing project that memorializes the rich history of downtown Surrey. Starting with 6 sites throughout downtown Surrey, visitors of each site will learn about its history through stories and pictures. Surrey is an ever changing city with diversity in its culture, people, and places.

History Footprints aims to celebrate these aspects of downtown Surrey that have shaped the area that stands today.

A Settler History

Therefore, it is important to acknowledge that currently, much of the information presented on this website is settler history, and that the project is not an exhaustive history of the area.

The land of Surrey is the traditional, unceded, ancestral territories of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Kwanten, Qayqayt, and Tsawwassen First Nations.

We understand the important role that history plays in people’s understanding of the world, and are deeply committed to ensuring that our project, especially as we continue to develop it, represents the diverse history of the area authentically and accurately without centering Eurocentric narratives.

Special Thanks

This project could not have been possible without the help of Chelsea Bailey and Stacey Gilkinson from Surrey Archives as well as Ryan Gallagher from the City of Surrey.

Many of the stories shared in History Footprints are indebted to community members such as Penny Priddy, Lucie Matich, and Lorene Oikawa, especially for their direction, advice, and feedback.