Friday, November 21, 2014

Downtown Newton's Time to Shine...



Downtown Newton is a great place to be. 
There are lots of fun shops, cafes and places to explore here. We're  even working on a self-guided walking tour! 

  However, one thing that is mentioned in conversation is that after dark, we're not getting as much bustling family oriented activity on the streets as we'd like.  We want to encourage more families to use the downtown area at different times of the day. Right now that's not happening as much as it could be.

Downtown Newton has a lot of city owned vacant land and it's not being utilized in any capacity. Sooo.... here's an idea that could make use of the area to the south of the existing  community centre. How much fun would this be?  Hot chocolate and popcorn anyone?  Evening skating with the little ones? Remember  how well used the artificial ice rink  was at Holland Park during the 2010 Olympics? And in the summer why not switch it up and bazinga! It's a roller-skating rink.  
Our downtown centre has great 'bones' and so much potential as a  little urban village. Let's get moving and capitalize on that.


Let's encourage family friendly activities in our downtown core.
 This is just one idea. Can you think of a few of your own?





Just look at what can be done with a vacant commercial lot, some lights and a little community spirit.  Don't forget the  paint! Paint is the fastest, cheapest, easiest way to transform a space.

ReImagine    ReCreate    ReNew
Still reading?  Here's something to make you smile.


Friday, November 14, 2014

A Note of Thanks....

Just a brief note prior to Saturday's election day in Surrey.

There are worthy people on all slates and dedicated independents who faced an uphill battle.  A few months ago I gave an open invitation to all candidates to come to my south Newton neighbourhood of Panorama Northwoods and join me on a little tour. I wanted to show the dramatic changes in my community over the past years.  I wanted to show how rampant development has impacted our neighbourhood. I also wanted to show the parts of  downtown Newton that often go overlooked. We have the best deli in the city Greco's, the most amazing art, craft gift and toy store DeSerres and the city's highest rated fine dining restaurant The Old Surrey Restaurant 

But, the truth is the last decade hasn't been kind to Newton in many ways and that needed to be acknowledged and really seen and explained firsthand.

  These candidates came to my home, walked through our woods and got to see  up close what our neighbourhood's concerns are.

Thank you to:

Council candidates:
Darlene Bowyer, 
Vera LeFranc,
Martin Rooney,
Beau Simpson 
and Judy Villeneuve

Mayoral  candidate: 
Barinder Rasode 


Whatever the outcome is at the end of the day tomorrow, I think the message has gotten through loud and clear. 
Newton is worth it. 
The people who live in this, the largest  town centre in all of Surrey deserve and have waited for a bright new future. 
Let's hope they get it.


Sunday, November 9, 2014

ReNewton's Best of #PLACEmaking video hitlist


A  video collection of the Best of placemaking, urban planning  and how we retrofit suburbia, an idea whose time has come.
Enjoy! A wealth of knowledge and experience right here.


Putting the 'New' in Newton.

From City of Surrey 's "Build Newton" Booklet
June 2010



Plans for a revitalized town centre in Newton have been sitting on the shelf for far too long. 

 We encourage all residents of Surrey to lobby hard for action in this area. Newton is the heart and soul of Surrey, and has undergone dramatic change over the past 5-10-15 years.  We need to bring back the best of what we once enjoyed. Busy shops and offices, restaurants ( still really miss Earl's on KG & 74th!) Together we can do this.

Decisions were made and priorities were established that have in many cases, impacted the quality of life for families here. When our new mayor and council are elected, please join us as we raise our voices for a more vibrant, dynamic downtown.   We will be organizing  and asking  The city of Surrey to implement the long awaited plans to put the "New" in Newton.

 Your single voice makes a difference. 
Get ready to use it!





Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Attention Downtown Newton Businesses!

Are you a business owner/manager in Downtown Newton?
Would you like to be featured on the ReNewton blog?
 Send a message to hey-jude@telus.net for details.
We'll be picking a few businesses to highlight in an upcoming post:

  "ReNewton Raves and Faves"