Posts Tagged ‘South Surrey Arts’

Back to School

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

We’ve got the low down on schools in the area.

You want more from where you live. A stylishly inspired community is important to you, but you also want to ensure that the necessary amenities for raising a young family are in place. And with a new school year just around the corner, having good schools nearby must be top of mind when you’re looking for your new home.

Fortunately, White Rock/South Surrey is part of the largest public school district in B.C., School District 36, which has 99 public elementary schools and 21 public high schools, not to mention the numerous private and Montessori schools in the region.

Public

Pacific Heights Elementary

17148 26 Avenue
Surrey, B.C.
V3S 0A4

Located on 26 Avenue, just a five-minute drive from Glenmore and Highland Park, Pacific Heights will most likely be the elementary school for students living in the neighbourhood. Home of the Phoenix, Pacific Heights Elementary is Kindergarten to Grade 7.

Jessie Lee Elementary

2064 154 Street
Surrey BC
V4A 4S3

A short drive over the King George Highway is Jessie Lee. Another K-7 school in the area, the school’s motto is “Reach for the Sky.” Jessie Lee’s enrollment as of September 2009 was 251.

Ecole Crescent Park School

Ecole Crescent Park School has been serving the Crescent beach community for 60 years, and the Annex for 90 years. They are the only elementary school in the area to offer a late French immersion program with students entering the program in Grade 6.

Sunnyside Elementary School

15250 28 Avenue
Surrey, BC
V4P 1B9

Sunnyside is one of the few K-7 schools to have a Montessori-based program and neighbourhood-based program in a public school system, which has attracted a diverse group of students.

A new school is slated to open in September 2012.

Earl Marriott Secondary School

15751 16 Avenue
Surrey, BC
V4A 1S1

Early Marriott Secondary is situated on the border of South Surrey and White Rock. It is the largest French immersion secondary school in western Canada, teaching students from Grade 8 through to Grade 12. Currently, the student population sits at about 1,700. Due to its vicinity, it will likely be school of choice for high-school students in the Glenmore and Highland Park area.

Semiahmoo Secondary School

1785 148 Street
Surrey, BC
V4A 4M6

Located right on 148th Street, Semiahmoo Secondary takes students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. For its Grade 11 and Grade 12 students, Semiahmoo offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The two-year IB program provides an accelerated program of studies. Students have the opportunity to earn university course credits leading to preferred admission to university programs.

Elgin Park Secondary School

13484 24 Avenue
Surrrey, BC
V4A 2G5

Elgin Park Secondary is the third and final public secondary school in the White Rock/South Surrey area. Along with Earl Marriott and Semiahmoo, Elgin Park offers the Hockey Canada Skills Academy. The Academy provides high-school students with a passion and interest in the great Canadian game, with the opportunity to develop their skills and hockey knowledge.

Private

Southridge School

2656 160th Street
Surrey, B.C.
V3S 0B7

Looking for a private school? Situated within the burgeoning neighbourhood surrounding Glenmore and Highland Park, Southridge offers a university-directed program from kindergarten to Grade 12. The co-ed campus has a full sports program with first-class facilities and playing fields, and has a strong fine arts focus.

Montessori

Morgan Creek Montessori

3388 Rosemary Heights Crescent
Surrey, B.C.
V3S 0K7

Morgan Creek offers Montessori education for preschool and kindergarten-aged children in both the Morgan Creek and Rosemary Heights areas of South Surrey. At the time of posting, the school still had space in their afternoon programs for three year olds.

Roots & Wings Montessori

5438 152 Street
Surrey, BC
V3S 5J9

Roots & Wings is about a 15-minute drive from Glenmore and Highland Park, but it is one of the few Montessori schools to offer babycare, daycare and primary Montessori (two-and-a-half to five year olds) as well as intermediate and senior Montessori (six to 12 year olds) right the way through to secondary Montessori (12 to 15 year olds).

This is by no means an extensive list. For more information head to the School District No. 36 website.

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An Ideal Place to Raise a Family

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

We think you’ll like growing up here.

South Surrey’s burgeoning Morgan Heights neighbourhood is a great place to grow, and grow up. Indoor and outdoor activities in the form of clubs, camps and kids venues for your little (and not so little) ones abound, minutes from your doorstep. So, if you’re looking to move with a young one in tow or are planning to start a family soon, we recommend starting here.

Historic Stewart Farmhouse
Just a 12-minute drive from Morgan Heights sits the historic Stewart Farmhouse. First built in 1894, by pioneer John Stewart, the Stewart farmhouse is a now a place for visitors and residents alike to enjoy heritage activities, crafts and home baking. Costumed tour guides will take you through the house, and teach you about life in Surrey in the Victorian period. What’s more, in the summer months, the Stewart Farmhouse offers various children’s daycamps – and that’s great news for you and the kids. They can spend a day at the farm doing things the old-fashioned way, while you can enjoy a quiet lunch with friends.

Serpentine Fen
An interesting and inexpensive way to enjoy the outdoors with your kids. Located 10 minutes from Morgan Heights by car, Serpentine Fen, also called the Serpentine Wildlife Area, is a 150-acre habitat with more than 130 different bird species. There are a number of designated public trails and three covered viewing towers to help spot eagles, hawks, blue herons and more. September and October are the best months for birding, as many birds take shelter in the Fen, but you may also come across frogs, coyotes and even harbour seals. Don’t forget the binoculars!

The South Surrey Indoor Pool
This is a great venue for learning and playing. Register your little ones in swim lessons or just head to the pool for a day of fun. The indoor pool has six 25-metre lanes and two diving boards as well as a children’s pool and whirlpool. And the Pool hosts youth activities on Friday and Saturday nights. Pre-teen pool parties complete with a DJ and games, and Swim Play, which includes swimming followed by a movie and popcorn are popular Saturday night events. Conveniently, located 10 minutes from Morgan Heights.

Softball City
One of the coolest locations for any kid who loves sports has to be Softball City. It is the premiere sports and entertainment complex with four championship calibre diamonds, and it’s one more venue that is located only 10 minutes away from Morgan Heights. It’s an ideal location for fundraisers and birthday parties, or just watching a league or tournament game.

Add the fact that White Rock/South Surrey is part of the largest public school district in B.C., School District 36 (which has 99 public elementary schools and 21 public high schools), and we think you’ll find that Morgan Heights is quite an exciting place to live.

You want to raise your children in a nurturing and stimulating environment, and at Glenmore & Highland Park in Morgan Heights that want can become reality. If you’re looking to make the move and own your own home in a trendy suburban community that combines urban flare with a family-friendly mentality, you’ll love Morgan Heights.

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Does Size Matter To You?

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Could you live in 600 square feet? Is location more important than size? Should your home be a place to live out of, rather than in?

A recent article on msnbc.com touched on all of these points, stating that when it comes to condo living, smaller spaces are set to attract Baby Boomers and Generation Y.

That got us thinking.

A smaller space is meant to be the trade off for living an urban lifestyle, but it definitely doesn’t have to be. At Glenmore and Morgan Heights we’re proud of our homes – they’re spaces that you can grow with, in an area that’s young, fresh vibrant and urban.  And as condos in the downtown core get smaller and smaller, we think it’s nice to know there are still full-sized homes available at affordable rates elsewhere.

What do you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Could you live in 600 square feet or less?

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It’s a Grand Life

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

As you can tell, we’re really excited about how much the area around Glenmore and Highland Park is growing. What’s even more exciting though is that residents and businesses alike are working together to showcase the area and all it has to offer. We recently came upon a blog titled The Grand Life that was built by South Surrey enthusiast Heather Burton with the sole purpose of highlighting all of the “Grand” things to do in the Morgan Heights area. We particularly enjoyed the following post:

WHAT TO DO IN SURREY THIS SUMMER?
Posted by heatherburton on July 16, 2010 on www.thegrandlife.ca

Do you have guests coming into town? Or are you just new to the area?
There are some great things to do in the lower mainland, without having to venture over a bridge or through a tunnel. Borrowed from the Tourism Surrey Site, here is a great list to get you started.

Top 12 Things to do in Surrey

AGRI-TOURISM

Approximately 1/3 of the land in Surrey is used for agricultural purposes and agri-tourism is growing in popularity. Surrey is one of the Lower Mainland’s major agricultural producers, and as such our city is packed with local markets, farms, and stands where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables direct from its source. Other agri-tourism attractions include a corn maze, pumpkin patches and our own local winery. Whether you prefer picking your own blueberries in the summer or want to go for a hay ride in the fall, you just have to be here!

BEAR CREEK PARK

King George Boulevard & 88 Avenue
Phone: 604-501-1232
www.bctrains.com

Bear Creek Park is one of Surrey’s most popular parks. With quiet nature walks and outdoor activities, it is an excellent park for families or individuals seeking adventure. The park’s facilities include sports fields, a running track, picnic areas, shelters and a swimming pool. In addition, the Bear Creek Steam Train, “Eddy The Engine and Chough” take you through the woods and a magical tunnel featuring seasonal displays.

ANTIQUING IN CLOVERDALE

Highway 10 (56 Avenue) & Highway 15 (176 Street)
Phone: 604-576-3155
www.cloverdalebia.com

Cloverdale is a historic centre of Surrey and is known for its small town charm. If you love antiques, then you have come to the right place. The traditional Cloverdale Town Centre is well known for being the “Antique Capital of BC”, famous for its antiques and collectibles. While visiting Cloverdale, you will be at the home of the popular TV series “Smallville”.

CRESCENT BEACH

Located in the southeast corner of Surrey. Can be accessed through Crescent Road off of Highway 99 & Highway 99A Crescent Beach is one of the sunniest beaches in the Greater Vancouver Region. Popular activities at Crescent Beach include swimming, kayaking, crabbing, fishing, and boating. There are shops nearby and restaurants with ocean views. Make sure you stop in for an ice cream cone or some delicious fish and chips before strolling along the pathways that wind around the beach.

DARTS HILL GARDEN

170 Street & 16 Avenue
Information: 604-598-5767
Tour Bookings: 604-501-5050
www.dartshill.ca

Darts Hill is a stunning 7.5 acres of land that contains thousands of species and varieties of plants from around the world. With 55 years of history, the garden was given to the City in trust by Edwin and Francisca Darts. Darts Hill is internationally renowned and visited by amateur gardeners as well as professional horticulturists. The garden is not open for general admission; however, groups of five or more can call to pre-book a guided tour.

FRASER DOWNS

17755 60 Avenue
Phone: 604-576-9141
Email: info@fraserdowns.com
www.fraserdowns.com

Tired of sightseeing? Head to Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino to try your hand at a game of luck. The newly completed Fraser Downs has a gaming floor with 420 slot machines, a new simulcast area for horse racing fans, an atrium styled welcome centre, a major show lounge with state of the art visual technology, and three restaurants. Come out for a chance to win big bucks.

GOLF

Stay & Play Surrey
Golf is all right here with 8 full length courses, 2 executive courses, and several driving ranges. Made famous by Mike Weir’s first PGA Tour win in a dramatic fashion of the 1999 Air Canada Championships, Surrey boasts not only some fabulous golf courses but also more courses offering greater variety than any other city in the Lower Mainland. Surrey’s Executive courses are well suited for the entire family. Great practice range facilities round out the terrific selection, a perfect match for the dedicated golfer.

HISTORIC STEWART FARM

13723 Crescent Road
Phone: 604-592-6956
www.heritage.surrey.ca

Open mid-February to mid-December. Call for hours and special events.
Visitors will experience a beautifully restored farmhouse, pole barn, root cellar, and heirloom gardens, all sitting on the shores of the Nicomekl River. Enjoy round tours by volunteers dressed in Victorian-style clothing. Unique activities at this historic site include woodstove cooking, heritage crafts, parlour games, and old fashioned fun.

REDWOOD PARK

180 Street & 20 Avenue
Phone: 604-581-7130
Experience the diversity of trees at Redwood Park. In 1893, twins, David and Peter Brown, were given 80 acres of land by their father. Through the years, they collected seedlings from all over the world including California, Austria, Russia, Japan, France, and Italy. They planted 32 different species of evergreens and built a 2-storey treehouse. After their death in the 1900s, the park was turned over to the city of Surrey for maintenance and care.

SERPENTINE FEN

King George Boulevard & 44th Avenue
Phone: 604-582-5200

The Serpentine Fen, a spectacular 176 acres of land in Surrey, is home to more than 3000 species of wildlife throughout the year. Wildlife that can be seen includes birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects. There are also three covered viewing towers, several trails, and a covered picnic shelter. This is a great way for you to get back into nature and experience what it has to offer.

SURREY ARTS CENTRE

13750 88 Avenue
Phone: 604-501-5566
www.arts.surrey.ca

Visitors experience visual and performing arts in stunning surroundings. Plan ahead and be entertained by profesisional or community theatre, dance and music in the Main Stage and Studio Theatre. Drop by to see exhibitions of contemporary art presented by the internationally recognized Surrey Arts Gallery, the second largest public art gallery in the Metro Vancouver region.

SURREY MUSEUM

17710 56A Avenue
Phone: 604-592-6956

This beautiful 24,000 sq. ft. venue is the place where visitors can explore Surrey’s history. A 42-seat orientation theatre is available along with a state of the art exhibits that tells Surrey’s stories. As well, there is a textile library, a weaving studio and exciting changing exhibitions themes.

Many thanks to Heather – and be sure to check out all of her updates at www.thegrandlife.ca.

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A Day in the Life at Glenmore & Highland Park

Friday, July 16th, 2010

We keep talking about how much we love the Morgan Heights area of South Surrey – it’s got style and culture; it’s near parks and recreation; it’s a fun place for kids, but there are still plenty of amenities to occupy the adults too.

But like we said, we keep talking, so this time around, we thought we’d show you what a fantastic place this can be. A photo snapshot of a day in the life at Glenmore & Highland Park in Morgan Heights, if you will.


Waking up you will be greeted by lush landscaping, and carefully designed arbours. The well-manicured lawns and shrubs are yours to stroll though each morning as you head to the gym.  It wouldn’t be a productive day without hitting the gym first. Fortunately, the Clubhouse for Glenmore & Highland Park owners includes a workout room with weights, treadmills, elliptical trainers and more, just minutes from your front door.

A job well done deserves to be acknowledged. After sweating it out at the gym, heading to Moka House at Grandview corners (a quick 5 minute walk from your front door) for a fresh coffee or iced latte is just the pick-me-up you deserve.   Lap up the sunshine or settle into a book in the square at Grandview Corners.  Just remembered you need a few last-minute items for your son’s birthday party in the afternoon? Don’t panic.  Indigo books and Hallmark are among the many stores in Grandview Corners that are poised to make life as convenient as possible.  H&M, Jack & Jill, Please Mum, RW&Co, Stirling Shoes, Smart Set, & Tommy Hilfiger, not to mention banks, dentists, doctors, salons, cafes, and electronics stores – they’re all just across the street!

Picking up birthday cupcakes for the party – and maybe a frosty treat for yourself as well – is just as simple. Living in the suburbs doesn’t have to be about big chains and outlet stores. Boutique shops are part of the culture and appeal of living at Glenmore & Highland Park. But being close to nature is also part of life in this lively neighbourhood.

A bunny hopping across your path on your leisurely stroll back home is just one more thing to smile about.   It’s nice to feel at ease. Planning parties of any kind, can be a bit of hassle. It’s hard to find a suitable venue, and it can get expensive. Fortunately for Glenmore & Highland Park owners, there is a great clubhouse that residents can book. You can easily set up and host your son’s birthday here, and nip home quickly if you’ve accidentally left something behind.  You’ll love sitting poolside.  And the kids will have a riot splashing in the pool at the party.

You love spending time with the kids, but you also want to make sure that you get some time for pampering yourself. A ten minute walk from your front door to the shops at Morgan Crossing, you can actually indulge yourself without having to devote a full day at the spa. Get a quick pedicure at Pure Nail Bar.  Then visit the fabulous ladies at Blo Blow Dry salon to get your hair done before you head out for dinner.  Call the neighbourhood babysitter, and then head for a fun-filled night at South Surrey’s latest hotspot, ULounge.  You and your hubby can enjoy dinner for two, followed by a few after-dinner cocktails. It’s a great locale for a sophisticated and upbeat nightcap.

A jam-packed day, but it’s all within reach for homeowners at Glenmore & Highland park in Morgan Heights, South Surrey.

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Full-Time Beach Access From Morgan Heights

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

At South Surrey’s Morgan Heights, you can escape to your own seaside getaway in a matter of minutes.

If you’ve lived in the lower mainland for any length of time, you know White Rock is a great place to be in the summertime (and for those of you who are new to the area, take note). That means Morgan Heights, located minutes from White Rock beach, is not only a great a locale for your everyday needs – it’s also a short trip from one of the best beach days in the area.

White Rock beach is accessible by the C52 Seaside/White Rock Centre shuttle. But you may want to rev up your 64 Ford Mustang instead. It seems the city’s warm weather and easy disposition attracts many vintage car enthusiasts, and you’ll see various classics cruising the town’s main strip all summer long.

But the best way to take in White Rock’s scenic beaches is on foot. White Rock’s 2.5 kilometre long beach promenade connects the community’s east and west beaches together. As you walk its length, you’ll breathe fresh sea air all the while, and enjoy an iconic, nostalgic seaside feel. The promenade draws visitors from downtown Vancouver, the tri-cities and the neighbouring U.S. alike. Families with strollers, young couples and youths – all out to enjoy the beauty of this strip. Pause to appreciate the view of Mount Baker and the San Juan islands before heading to the historic white rock.

The rock, from which the city derives its name, lies along the beach beside the promenade. It is, in fact, a glacial erratic left behind from the last ice age, but the rock is also central to a mythological tale about the beginnings of White Rock’s Semiahmoo tribe. (White Rock/South Surrey has a rich past worth learning about, if you’re so inclined.)

Of course, a day by the beach wouldn’t be a day by the beach without the feel of wet sand sifting through your toes and a refreshing dip in the water. The bay’s protected waters are safe for swimming and kayaking. And when the tide is out, there is plenty of exploring to be done in the tidal pools.

Parallel to the sea runs Marine Drive – White Rock’s main strip for funky boutique shops, bustling bistros and fine restaurants. After a day at the beach, you’re sure to feel a little peckish, so take some time check out what’s on offer. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to some homemade ice cream at Seaside Scoops Ice Cream Café or indulge in a fine dining experience complete with a bottle of robust cabernet sauvignon at Cielo’s Tapas and Oyster Bar, you’ll have no trouble satisfying your palate here.

Wrap up the day with one last stroll along the promenade to White Rock’s historic pier. Dating back to the 1920s, White Rock Pier features a boat launch and 1,559 feet of boardwalk. The Pier underwent restoration about 20 years ago, and still serves as a Canada Customs point of entry for small boats. It is the perfect vantage point to watch a summer sunset.

Clearly, there’s plenty to do in the summer at White Rock. And as a resident at Morgan Heights, you can access it all.

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How South Surrey is quietly gaining a reputation for culture.

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Going to the suburbs for an injection of culture isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Without any great fanfare, Surrey is quietly creating itself as a destination for arts junkies.

Leading the charge is the, boasting cutting edge works from national and international artists and a world-renowned hub for digital media.

Internationally acclaimed Canadian artist Edward Burtynsky was so impressed when creating an exhibition for the space, he donated all 37 of the chosen photographs to the gallery in 2009.

It may be the gateway to culture in Surrey, but the gallery isn’t the only interesting destination. Further south, the White Rock Gallery has an enviable roster of exhibited artists, including Salt Spring Island-based ceramic artist Bill Boyd, Vancouver’s Michael den Hertog and the ever-popular Michael Stockdale.

The White Rock Arts Council is integral to many of the cultural offerings in South Surrey, supporting a vibrant music program that includes the annual summer Jazz on the Peninsula series of concerts.

Along with a vibrant arts community, newcomers to the growing Morgan Heights neighbourhoods of Highland Park and Glenmore can also immerse themselves in the history of South Surrey.

Experience South Surrey living from a different age at the Historic Stewart Farm, where costumed guides offer an interactive tour of the 1894 homestead.

Or head to the Surrey Museum for background on the area’s First Nations history, then check out the Canadian Museum of Flight where B.C.’s aviation history is brought right up to date.
And for the ultra local perspective, be sure to check out the waterfront White Rock Museum.

With a rich past and an exciting future, South Surrey is ready to be taken seriously.

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