Ecological History of Panorama Ridge

I reside in Panorama Ridge of Surrey, BC, near Highway 10 and 152^nd street, and I would say this area displays a diverse ecological history that has been influenced by early settlers, abundant wildlife, urban development, and resource exploitation [2]. This essay explores the history and evolution of Panorama Ridge and Surrey to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development and transformation of this environment.

From the City of Surrey website, I learned that Panorama Ridge was home to the Semiahmoo, Katzie, and Kwantlen First Nations people who resided here for thousands of years [2]. The First Nations communities settled along the Fraser River and Campbell River, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering food for sustenance [2]. This region’s wealth of wildlife included birds, deer, and bears, who played a vital role in supporting the First Nations community’s way of life [2]. Inland routes along these rivers aided in trade, connection, and interaction within their communities [2]. Beginning in the 1880’s, settlers from various parts of the world arrived in Surrey, which initiated a period of urbanization and changes in landscape [2]. Landscapes were deconstructed for farming, leading to a decline in wildlife and changes for the First Nations people [2]. And a major resource of exploitation was timber extraction and extensive logging. Eventually this led to the construction of roads, bridges, and an extension of the transit system [1]. A timeline of this area’s development included the Pattullo Bridge completed in 1904, the King George Highway completed in 1940, the transit system extension finished in 1990, and Surrey’s official designation as a city by 1993 [1]. These indicators reflect the growth of Surrey’s population and urbanization but also how these substantial changes effected life in Panorama Ridge [2].

The increasing demand for housing in Surrey has led to further changes in the agricultural land and destruction of natural resources. Subsequently, open spaces have been lost and various species, such as frogs, owls, birds, are struggling to find suitable habitats and food sources to raise their young [2]. The rapid pace at which Surrey is growing poses a threat to the environmental areas such as wetlands and watercourses [2]. Wetlands help supply our wildlife with food and help control our flooding [2]. Although information on invasive animals is limited, the presence of invasive plant species is known [3]. These plants such as, English Ivy, policeman’s helmet, and Japanese knotweed were initially introduced for aesthetic purposes but are known to be harmful to both humans and the natural environment [3]. Based on my own knowledge, the only invasive animal I am aware of is coyotes, which I still see in my neighbourhood from time to time. Personally, I think it’s alarming that the appearance of gardens takes priority over a residential well-being.

On the contrary, the City of Surrey has implemented stewardship actions to address challenges the city faces. These include retention systems that help manage excess stormwaters and prevent contamination from local bodies of water [1]. To reduce organic waste and promote recycling and sustainable practices there is composting facilities [1]. Surrey also offers recreational fishing spots and has nine community gardens that supports gardening, organic food production, and community building connections [1]. Additionally, Surrey is recognized as the ‘City of Parks’ due to its extensive park network for a total of 200 parks [1]. To reflect its commitment to agricultural land, Surrey is home to BC’s biggest greenhouse operation system. These actions are in place to mitigate the ease of negative impacts that have resulted from decades of city development, but I believe greater action may be necessary than just these simple measures.

Today, Surrey stands as the most culturally diverse city in BC, with 30% of its population being foreign-born [1]. With a 10% growth rate annually, Surrey is projected to surpass Vancouver as the largest city in BC within 20 years [1]. The ecological history, early settlement, urbanization, and stewardship actions of Panorama Ridge and Surrey as a whole gives us a broader understanding of development in this region. Understanding Surrey’s history is crucial for continuous improvement and protection of Panorama Ridge.  To continue to ensure sustainable and vibrant communities in Panorama Ridge and it’s surrounding areas, we must continue to maintain the effort we put into them. Overall, if a sustainability survey was done of Surrey, I believe it wouldn’t score well. The city is sprawled out with population projected to increase, resulting in greater development, pollution, and congestion. Another issue that arises is the city becoming less affordable to live in.

[1] 604 Now. (n.d.). A Brief History of Surrey, BC: From Small Town to Thriving City. Retrieved from: https://604now.com/history-surrey-bc-city/

[2] City of Surrey. (n.d.). History of Surrey. Retrieved from: https://www.surrey.ca/about-surrey/history-of-surrey

[3] City of Surrey. (n.d.) Invasive Plants Brochure. Retrieved from: https://www.surrey.ca/sites/default/files/media/documents/Invasive_Plants_Brochure.pdf