New REACH Centre for Autism to operate on city-owned land in Newton
Published 1:16 pm Thursday, October 1, 2026
Coming to Surrey is a new REACH Centre for Autism, to offer “a comprehensive range of services for children and youth with autism and other developmental support needs, and their families.”
The facility will operate in a house-like building on city-owned land at 7010 King George Blvd., once home to Newton Animal Hospital, with rent set at $1 per year. Residential units are also in the building, which has outdoor space near rail tracks.
On Sept. 21 Surrey city council approved a five-year lease and operating agreement with Reach Child and Youth Development Society, now planning a fall fundraiser for the project.
REACH Centre for Autism services will include assessment, behavioural intervention, speech-language and occupational therapy, specialized groups to build skills, parent and caregiver education and training, counselling, respite, peer support and service navigation.
“This partnership is a significant step forward for children and families in Surrey,” said Renie D’Aquila, executive director of Reach Child and Youth Development Society, founded in 1959 and based in Delta.
D’Aquila thanks Surrey mayor, council and staff “for their leadership, commitment and the many months of work that went into bringing this initiative forward. The City of Surrey’s partnership will help us expand community-based autism services and make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children and families.”
Opening is targeted for early 2027, a staff report notes.
Across B.C., demand for autism-related assessment and intervention services continues to increase, resulting in lengthy wait times and limiting timely access to critical supports, the report underlines.
“Surrey has a particularly high need for these services and is expected to experience continued population growth, further increasing service demand. Recent changes to provincial Children and Youth with Support Needs funding are also expected to further increase demand for service providers.”
The annual market rental value of the building is appraised at $83,315. “This results in a total estimated City lease-in-kind contribution to Reach of $416,575 over the five-year term,” staff note.
On Nov. 18 at Tasty Indian Bistro in North Delta, proceeds from A Taste of Reach fundraiser will go to REACH Surrey Centre for Autism. Tickets are sold on tasteofreach.com.
“Access to timely, high-quality autism services is critical for children and families,” D’Aquila said. “This unique partnership with the City of Surrey will increase accessibility, strengthen outcomes for children with developmental support needs, and build a more inclusive and supportive community.”