An investigation of 15-minute neighbourhoods in Surrey, British Columbia: a community-informed social equity analysis for a fast-growing, diverse, Canadian city

This thesis developed a community-informed definition of 15-minute neighbourhoods and explored how this intersected with social equity in accessibility to amenities. We mapped 15-minute neighbourhoods in Surrey, B.C., a fast-growing, diverse community based on access to amenities. We shared this in focus groups with equity-deserving groups to get their insights. Our analysis found broad support for the concept and that half of Surrey's residents lived in a 15-minute neighbourhood. However, participants felt the maps missed vital aspects, such as infrastructure and safety; we incorporated this feedback by mapping microscale design features and combining this with access to amenities. Our social equity analysis found that youth living in one-parent households, Indigenous peoples, low income residents, and recent immigrants were more likely to live in 15-minute neighbourhoods. The community voices added insights into factors beyond amenities that matter. This demonstrates that as proximity-based planning proceeds, care is needed to ensure equitable implementation.