We take trucking for granted, and truck parking needs a long-term solution: Councillor Linda Annis

Surrey, B.C. (March 11, 2024): Surrey First Councillor Linda Annis says while she supports a staff proposal to create 150 truck parking spaces at four locations owned by the city, more needs to be done to resolve this long-standing issue that continues to grow.

“This is really a temporary solution, when what we need as a city and region is a real solution,” said Annis. “The Canadian Trucking Association of BC says we are short 2,000 truck parking spaces. It’s an issue of particular interest here in Surrey because so many of the region’s drivers and trucking companies are based right here.

“This has been an issue for at least 20 years, and has only become more concerning as Surrey truckers struggle to find legal places to park after their workday. As a result, many feel forced to break bylaws which costs them fines and irritates neighbours. We need to do better than temporary solutions.”

Annis said truckers, city hall, and the provincial government need to sit down and look at realistic options for Surrey and the region.

“We all forget how much the trucking industry means to our economy,” said Annis. “There’s nothing glamorous about truck parking, but without designated parking locations and practical solutions, we are jeopardizing our local industry, and the supply chain we all count on to deliver absolutely everything we need and use every day.”