It’s enjoyed a steady stream of positive media attention since its inception, and it shows no sign of fading from the public eye. In fact, East Clayton in Surrey continues to bask in the spotlight as more and more people of all ages, lifestyles, and aspirations discover this is a community worth taking a closer look at.
Covering some 500 acres from Fraser Highway to 80th Avenue and between 176th and 196th, East Clayton already offers a broad range of housing options at prices to suit every lifestyle and life stage. “You could buy your first home, move to a larger one as you raise a family, and then retire into a luxury, maintenance-free townhome without ever having to move out of the neighbourhood,” says Dale Kirkland, a realtor with Homelife Benchmark Realty and one of the driving forces behind Clayton Village, the centerpiece of East Clayton.
“We’ve always been confident that diversity of housing was a desirable feature, one that people would seek out,” says Patrick Condon, James Taylor Chair and a well-know authority on sustainability and environmental awareness. “It’s been very gratifying to see the sales figures are backing up this assumption.”
“People love the location and the character of this area,” adds Betty Dahl who is currently marketing two projects, Liberty (the first condominium project to be built in the area) and Belmont. “You’re close to everything - Langley, golf, transportation, schools, parks. And the quality of construction throughout the entire East Clayton neighbourhood is excellent.”
THE SUSTAINABLE CONCEPT
As Surrey’s first sustainable community, East Clayton is designed around seven core planning principles.
•Become more pedestrian friendly and energy efficient by increasing density and ensuring basic services like shops, parks, and public transportation are only a few minutes walk.
•Build a broad range of housing types and densities in the same neighbourhood and even on the same street.
•Design all dwellings with a friendly look to encourage social interaction.
•Ensure most vehicle parking and services are handled at the rear of the buildings.
•Minimize traffic congestion by designing streets in such a way there are always alternate routes and no dead end cul-de-sacs
•Make streets shaded by trees to create a greener, friendly environment and natural traffic calming.
•As much as possible, use natural drainage systems that permit storm water to seep slowly back into the ground.
Building is progressing rapidly throughout the entire area with current emphasis on single-family houses and family-style townhomes. Many individual communities are incorporating elements of a village centre that welcomes people from both the immediate neighbourhood and those who work close by or regularly travel past. One, Boothroyd Corner, is already becoming a social hub as neighbours gather for a morning cuppa-joe and conversation or an afternoon wind-down with the newspaper at the local coffee shop. It’s all about rediscovering a lifestyle where you actually know your neighbours and feel secure walking down the street at any time of the day or night.
But make no mistake, the best is yet to come. “As East Clayton evolves over the next ten to 20 years, you’re going to see many areas developing in unique ways, and when all the trees begin to mature it’s going to create a totally different sense and ambiance,” says Francisco Molina, an urban designer with the City of Surrey who has spent the last six years contributing to the long-range plan. He adds that the extensive network of lineal parks throughout the entire 500 acres means you could go for a walk every night for months without ever having to take the same route home.
LIFELONG LEARNING
Recognizing the importance of quality education, East Clayton offers a solid selection of schools at all levels. Within easy walking distance of Clayton Village there are two elementary schools and another planned within a park in the heart of the community. A Montessori Children’s Centre is available only minutes away in Langley, and there are two Christian elementary schools plus one high school.
Ready for some post secondary learning? Whether you’ve got your sights set on a university degree or simply want to expand your horizons with a good dose of continuing education for adults, be sure to check out Kwantlen University College and Trinity Western University or, just a little farther afield, the University College of the Fraser Valley. After all, you’re never too old to learn something new and exciting.
By Susan M. Boyce
Properties:
In East Clayton
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