‘Horrendous’: Surrey residents concerned about traffic impact of new Costco, highway exit

Surrey resident Gloria Trimble says the proposal for a South Surrey Costco, plus city traffic changes nearby at 24^th Avenue and Highway 99, will only make a bad situation worse.

“The traffic is already horrendous,” said Trimble, who lives in the area near a church that has two different daycares. “It’s already dangerous for the families picking up and dropping off their children. This is all just going to make things so bad. I can’t imagine how it’s going to be.”

Plans for an exit from Highway 99 onto 24^th Avenue have Trimble fearing for the future.

Trimble is one of a growing number of people organizing against the proposal, which went to a City of Surrey public hearing on Monday – and then passed third reading by city council immediately after, which means it will like receive final approval.

Petition organized: A petition has been set up that has more than 860 signatures opposing the project because Costcos are considered magnets for traffic.

The project: Proposed is 165,000 sq. ft. Costco warehouse on 164th Street that would also include a gas station and a parking lot with 989 spaces as few people walk to buy from Costco businesses.

“With only one road in and out of the area and limited entry points to the proposed parking lot, there is a high risk of severe congestion and potential safety hazards, especially during peak hours,” said the petition.

The petition also highlights that the property is located in an ecologically sensitive area and the development could damage local wildlife and the Fergus Creek Watershed.

Lost trees: Costco’s proposal would mean removing 1,107 trees. An estimated 572 trees are proposed to be kept or replaced. There would also be a $517,000 contribution to the green city program. 

Here are the main points the petition highlights:

Residential Area Impact: The site is in a residential area, and a large commercial store like Costco would disrupt the neighborhood’s tranquility and safety.

Inadequate Road Infrastructure: The current road network cannot support the expected traffic increase, with only one road in and out and limited parking access, leading to potential congestion and safety risks.

Proximity to Schools: The site is close to a school, raising safety concerns for children and pedestrians due to increased traffic.

Zoning Concerns: The area is designated for light industry, not a large big-box store, which does not align with the intended use of this zone.

Ecologically Sensitive Area: The proposed site is in an ecologically sensitive area. The development could harm local wildlife and natural habitats.

Inclusion of a Gas Station: The plan includes a gas station, raising environmental and safety concerns such as soil and water contamination and increased risk of accidents.

Road changes coming: The City of Surrey is planning major changes to traffic flows in the area near the Costco site.

Council has approved advancing the 24 Avenue and Highway 99 Interchange Ramps project to the detailed design stage. Developed in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, the project will introduce north facing access and exit points along Highway 99 to “ease congestion and support the rapid growth in South Surrey.”

“South Surrey is one of our fastest growing communities with significant housing development underway,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “I’m thrilled that we’re moving forward with the detailed design for the 24 Avenue Interchange Ramps. This project will enhance connectivity, improve safety, and increase traffic flow along this vital corridor. I’m proud of our collaboration with the Province to deliver a practical, affordable solution that can be built soon to support regional mobility and economic growth. The new Costco proposal is an example of the strong business interest in the area.” 

To further support South Surrey’s economic and residential growth, the City plans to build the 20 Avenue Overpass of Highway 99 to improve traffic flow and access to jobs, businesses, and services. The overpass will include two vehicle travel lanes in each direction with a multiuse path on the north side for walking and cycling. Early works including utility relocations and tree clearing to prepare for the overpass are underway. Construction is anticipated to start in January 2026 once contract is awarded.