I recently wrote a letter to the Editors of both of the Surrey Leader and The Now about the City’s Newton Plan. Apparently both Laila Yuile and I agree that plants and banners don’t help get to the core of the problems in this community. You can view pictures of the beautification efforts below. 

I recently visited Newton to view the improvements to the area that were proposed under the City’s “Newton Plan” - which attempts to address the safety, civility, and graffiti problems in the area. I must praise the beautification coordinator’s work, with the new wall graphics on the Rec Centre and planters around the bus loop. I have also seen RCMP in the area - something quite rare in the past.  

However, these are all short term band-aid solutions.

The most effective way to improve the area is by bringing in more residents. Everyday people are the most potent method of crime fighting - the concept of eyes on the street. It’s the difference between a student listening to a preachy teacher or following the pressure of her peers. Newton needs far more higher density residential development in it’s core to increase it’s current population.

Furthermore, by supporting and directing those in need to Surrey’s many social organizations, we can help many of the homeless, addicts, and prostitutes lead productive lives.

Planters and cops can only go so far to help Newton cope with it’s social woes. The current plan does not go nearly far enough to address these issues. 

I am running as an independent for city council this November, and I can promise that if elected I will do everything in my power to help transform Newton back into the bustling, diverse, and safe community it should be.

- Paul Hillsdon