CLAYTON - Residents in Clayton are planning a rally to protest Surrey’s controversial illegal suite crackdown in their area.
“The Surrey City Council announced plans to evict over 300 families from their homes in the community of Clayton,” a flyer for the event states. “Why? Because of a parking shortage.
“The community of Clayton and their neighbours are coming together outside of city hall - rain or shine - to call on the city council to put families over parking and stop the evictions!”
The rally against evictions will take place today from noon to 2 p.m. at the Surrey City Hall plaza (13450 104th Ave.).
See also: East Clayton suite crackdown ‘on hold,’ says Surrey Mayor
See also: HOME SUITE HOME: The faces of Clayton’s illegal suite crackdown
See also: Surrey Council asks staff to work with tenants in illegal Clayton suites
While Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner says the initiative is “on hold” until staff can review other options, rally organizer and landlord Greg Garner said the plan is to “peacefully protest these evictions.”
He expects 50 to 100 people to turn out.
The city’s move has divided the community. While some support the city’s move to remove illegal suites from the area, others like Garner say it’s “immoral.”
The Clayton for Families group has also started a petition, which has garnered more than 2,600 signatures. See more at claytonforfamilies.com.
A petition supporting the city’s efforts has also materialized that so far, has 86 signatures.
See also: Surrey collecting fees on more than 2,400 illegal suites, documents reveal