Re: Proposed extension of 84 Avenue.

The Surrey Board of Trade has considered the proposed extension of 84 Avenue across the lands adjacent to Bear Creek Park.

The Surrey Board of Trade is a business organization and any consideration that we give to an issue arising in our community must necessarily be made from a business perspective.

As with all issues that the Surrey Board of Trade considers, we have taken this matter seriously. There has been extensive research and discussion on this issue by our staff, our transportation team and by the board of directors itself.

As a result, we are of the opinion that, from a business perspective only, the proposed extension of 84 Avenue makes sense.

It will facilitate the flow of people and goods across our community. It will facilitate the delivery of emergency response in our community by our police, fire and ambulance services.

It will reduce the number of accidents at the intersection of 88 Avenue and King George Highway. It will likely be less expensive to implement than an extensive re-design of the 88 Avenue intersection.

While we certainly believe that the interests of business in Surrey must always be taken into consideration when council is deciding upon policy, we do not suggest that ours is the only perspective that must be considered. Social, environmental and other community concerns are equally important and must also be weighed in making any decision. Those issues are for council and other groups in the community to discuss.

The Surrey Board of Trade represents more than 3,600 business contacts – and provides government support to business, networking events, cost-saving benefits, educational and international business opportunities.

James B. Stewart

President, Surrey Board of Trade