March 13, 2007
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation > Media Room > March 13, 2007

Surrey population growth highlights need for new Emergency Centre

Surrey, B.C. – Surrey welcomed more new residents in the previous five years than any other single municipality in British Columbia, according to 2006 population numbers released today.

Surrey’s population in 2006 stood at 394,976, an increase of 47,156 (13.6%) from 2001. Only 6 other Canadian municipalities saw their population increase more than Surrey’s (Calgary, Brampton, Edmonton, Vaughan, Mississauga, and Markham). Surrey is the 2nd most populated city in B.C. and 12th in the country.

“Surrey’s rapid population growth reinforces the decision that has been made to improve the city’s health care infrastructure,” says Chris Midmore, Chair of Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Emergency Centre Campaign. “Surrey Memorial Hospital’s current E.R. is the busiest in B.C., and we look forward to the new Emergency Centre.”

Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation has set a goal of $15-million for its Emergency Centre Campaign, which will be officially launched in April of 2007. The Foundation’s $15-million will be added to the B.C. government’s contribution to ensure the hospital’s new Emergency Centre is state-of-the-art. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2008.

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For more information or interviews, contact:
Jason Howe
Media Relations Manager
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation
604-585-5666 ext 8284
cell: 604-613-6873
jason.howe[at]fraserhealth.ca