SkyTrain Construction Pushes Fleetwood Businesses to the Brink of Collapse
The ambitious 16-kilometre Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension, slated for completion in late 2029, is creating an economic crisis for small businesses along Fraser Highway. As construction disrupts traffic and accessibility, many long-standing establishments are reporting catastrophic declines in revenue, with some facing imminent closure.
"Barely Holding On": A Family Business Fights for Survival
Naseem Gorgis, co-owner of the family-run Gorgeous Hair Cut in Fleetwood, describes a devastating situation. His business has lost more than 50 percent of its customer base since construction began approximately one year ago. Located near the future 152nd Street SkyTrain station, the salon exemplifies the struggles facing the entire commercial corridor.
"I lost one guy who worked here, but I understand. I feel bad even keeping any of them here," Gorgis lamented, referring to a barber who left for more stable employment. "Two places beside me left so now I’m the only one left but I’m barely holding on. My business is going down and the rents are going up. There’s so much traffic, so people are just trying not to come here."
Widespread Economic Impact Across the Neighbourhood
Dean Barbour, Executive Director of the Fleetwood Business Improvement Association, confirms this is not an isolated case. Representing 360 local businesses, Barbour hears daily about the severe challenges created by the ongoing infrastructure project.
"Every part of my membership is impacted by the SkyTrain construction," Barbour stated. He reports that customer visits have decreased by 20 to 40 percent across various businesses, with sales plummeting between 30 and 50 percent. The majority of affected businesses are mom-and-pop shops that form the backbone of Fleetwood's local economy.
Historical Parallels and Current Challenges
The situation mirrors the devastating impact seen during the Canada Line construction in Vancouver during the early 2000s, where the majority of small businesses in affected areas were forced to close permanently. Barbour is actively working with municipal and provincial authorities to amplify business concerns and seek mitigation strategies.
While alternative access routes exist for the strip malls and businesses along Fraser Highway, these pathways remain poorly publicized and underutilized by customers. This accessibility crisis, combined with escalating rental costs, creates a perfect storm threatening the commercial viability of the entire area.
A Neighbourhood in Transition
Surrey's Fleetwood neighbourhood, which had seen minimal change for five decades, is now undergoing rapid transformation. The SkyTrain project represents significant long-term development, but the immediate construction phase is extracting a heavy toll on existing enterprises. Business owners like Gorgis, who operated successfully for years without issue, now face an uncertain future as they navigate unprecedented disruptions to their livelihoods.
