VancouverMETRO VANCOUVER NEWS
A new REACH autism centre is planned for city-owned land in Newton
The centre will lease a former animal hospital site for $1 a year and aims to open in early 2027, offering services for children, youth and families.
A new REACH Centre for Autism is planned for a house-like building at 7010 King George Blvd. on city-owned land in Newton. The site was formerly home to Newton Animal Hospital, and rent is set at $1 a year. The building also contains residential units and has outdoor space near rail tracks. Surrey city council approved a five-year lease and operating agreement with Reach Child and Youth Development Society on Sept. 21. The society is planning a fall fundraiser for the project.
Services will include assessment, behavioural intervention, speech-language and occupational therapy, specialized skill-building groups, education and training for parents and caregivers, counselling, respite, peer support and service navigation. Opening is targeted for early 2027, according to a staff report.
Renie D'Aquila, executive director of Reach Child and Youth Development Society, called the partnership a significant step forward for children and families in Surrey. She thanked the mayor, council and city staff for their leadership, commitment and months of work, saying the partnership would help expand community-based autism services and make a meaningful difference for local children and families.
The report says demand across B.C. for autism assessment and intervention services continues to grow, resulting in lengthy wait times and limiting timely access to critical supports. It says Surrey has particularly high need and is expected to keep growing in population, further increasing demand. Recent changes to provincial Children and Youth with Support Needs funding are also expected to increase demand for service providers.
The building's annual market rental value is appraised at $83,315. Staff estimate the city's in-kind lease contribution to Reach at $416,575 over the five-year term. Proceeds from the A Taste of Reach fundraiser will support the REACH Surrey Centre for Autism. The event is scheduled for Nov. 18 at Tasty Indian Bistro in North Delta; tickets are available at tasteofreach.com.
D'Aquila said timely access to high-quality autism services is critical for children and families. She said the partnership will increase accessibility, strengthen outcomes for children with developmental support needs, and help build a more inclusive and supportive community.