2018 will be the fourth year of the Newton BIA’s existence. The organization is no longer the new kid on the block as Fleetwood BIA is in its second full year of operation, with the City of Surrey now being comprised of four BIAs. Expectations have shifted away from the honeymoon period to what are the measurable results for the tax burden that has been downloaded to the local business community.

Crime is down by over 20% in 2017 in Newton. This annual double digit decrease over the past three years is an excellent justification of why the Newton BIA was created; due to safety pressures. Safety has always been the main focus of the Newton BIA spearheaded by the proactive Community Safety Patrol and the relationships that we have developed with the RCMP, Bylaw, Surrey Crime Prevention, Outreach & the vulnerable community.

The Newton BIA has taken a leadership role in the community. To achieve results you must find unlikely partners to help achieve significant outcomes. “The State of Newton” was a significant result in 2017 and was only possible by getting ownership from several different community groups to help create an advocacy movement that will shape Newton for years to come.

Keeping it weird in Newton is important. The Newton BIA wants to ensure that we continue to build community through inspiring placemaking projects and events. 2017 saw murals, Big Bikes, thousands of tulips, the revitalization of Newton Days and the enigmatic Lou, our beloved groundhog, who predicted an early spring. Results that showcase the optimism that has slowly crept into daily conversation.

Results matter! The Newton BIA will continue to build community by taking an active leadership role, producing meaningful results and passionately advocating for the Newton community.

Cheers,