Cloverdale Community Association survey reveals residents concerned, dissatisfied with state of East Surrey
Published 9:30 pm Tuesday, June 16, 2026
The Cloverdale Community Association conducted a survey of East Surreyites earlier this year in an attempt to get a pulse on what residents are thinking about several public issues.
The CCA, under president Ram Sabharwal, launched the survey covering views on crime, public safety, development, and other concerns for people living in Cloverdale and both Clayton and Campbell Heights.
Sabharwal said the survey revealed a community with deep roots and a strong sense of identity. However, he said respondents noted they feel “increasingly strained” by the pace of growth in East Surrey combined with a lack of infrastructure to deal with that growth.
“Feedback reflects the perspective of long-term residents who have experienced significant change firsthand,” Sabharwal added. He noted 75 per cent of respondents have lived in the area for more than a decade and 40 per cent for more than 20 years.
He said community pride remained high among respondents, but sentiment seems to be “shifting negative” as 61 per cent of open-ended responses expressed “concern” or “dissatisfaction” with the current state of the area.
“The data clearly shows that residents are not opposed to growth itself, but are troubled by the pace and its impact on daily life,” Sabharwal revealed.
He said safety and livability are top of mind for folks in East Surrey. More than 80 per cent of respondents noted concern about about property crime, while nearly 70 per cent reported being directly or indirectly affected by crime. Only 26.5 per cent of respondents felt current policing efforts were “effective.”
Sabharwal said that highlights “a gap in confidence and trust.”
As for traffic and the movement of people, more than 87 per cent of respondents noted traffic congestion was a top concern and more than 77 per cent noted pedestrian safety was a top concern.
“(This) reinforces the sense that transportation systems have not kept pace with development,” he noted. “Additionally, 83 per cent of residents expressed concern about rapid growth, further emphasizing the need for more coordinated planning.”
Sabharwal said the survey also sought feedback on social issues. Homelessness and housing affordability were major concerns. More than 81 per cent of respondents indicated alarm over those issues.
“The community remains divided on solutions,” he explained. “Forty-three per cent support more affordable housing, while others are opposed or uncertain—suggesting a need for continued public dialogue and education.”
Sabharwal added that despite the doom and gloom concerning development and crime, there is a silver lining.
“Looking ahead, residents are unified in their desire for meaningful community investments.”
Top priorities include: a pool on the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, improved traffic safety, expanded parks, expanded playgrounds, more local entertainment spaces, and more local gathering spaces.
“Overall, the survey highlights a community at a crossroads,” he noted. “(It’s) proud of its past, engaged in its present, and seeking thoughtful, balanced growth that prioritizes safety, infrastructure, and quality of life for its residents.”
For more info on the survey or the Cloverdale Community Association, visit their website at cloverdalecommunity.org.