Regular helicopter service coming to Surrey, promises mayor

A new helicopter service could soon be taking off to connect Surrey with downtown Vancouver and Victoria, Mayor Linda Hepner has revealed.

"Surrey is currently in discussion with a consortium of private helicopter firms to create a network of helicopter pads across our city," said Hepner during her annual State of the City address Thursday.

Hepner said with more high tech firms and other firms settling in Surrey, there is now demand for the pricey commuter service.

During the same speech she also revealed the Hollywood production company, Skydance Media, will open a studio in Newton that can accommodate a production staff of up to 400 people.

If the deal is completed, helipads in both North and South Surrey could be under construction by next year.

"We are in site selection mode right now ... so I would hope that by this time next year .... it would be solidified and under construction."

Hepner did not reveal the names of the companies involved in the proposal.

Currently Helijet offers helicopter service between Vancouver and downtown Victoria and Nanaimo. Helijet also operates the province's air ambulances from bases in Richmond and Prince Rupert.