Vancouver and Surrey continue battle to become home of new B.C. South Asian museum
Two Metro Vancouver cities are continuing their push to host a new provincially supported museum celebrating the cultures and contributions of South Asian Canadians in B.C.
A report released in August by the Government of British Columbia on the findings of its year-long public consultation process states Surrey as the “most suggested” location for the future Canadians of South Asian Heritages Museum.
However, the City of Vancouver isn’t giving up the fight just yet, renewing its call for public support in a new video asking viewers to “imagine a space where 120+ years of South Asian Canadian stories, culture and contributions come to life. ”
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“Vancouver is uniquely positioned to host this landmark institution honouring the legacy and impact of BC’s vibrant South Asian Canadian communities,” said Mayor Ken Sim in a release.
“As the historic heart of South Asian settlement in British Columbia and one of the top visitor destinations in Canada, our city offers an ideal setting to reflect on the past and celebrate and share stories of South Asian Canadians with the world.”
The “What We Heard Report,” released by the provincial government in August 2025, stated that downtown Vancouver was a runner-up museum location in public support.
“If a goal of the museum is to educate Canadians and international visitors about Canadian South Asian heritages in B.C., then downtown Vancouver was seen as the ideal location. Museums in other jurisdictions, such as Toronto, Ontario, are positioned in the downtown core to capitalize on the volume of traffic and tourists,” reads the provincial report.
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However, Surrey was the most suggested location for the “South Asian Canadian Museum,” a temporary working name.
“Those who favoured this location noted the high number of Canadians of South Asian heritages who live and work in Surrey, as well as the number of people that travel to Surrey to shop for South Asian groceries, cuisine, and clothing,” explained the report.
Nearly 40 per cent of Surrey’s residents are of South Asian descent, with heritage rooted in countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Surrey is actively advocating for the establishment of the new museum in the city. Supporters can sign an online petition to show their approval.
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“As one of Canada’s most diverse cities and home to one of the largest South Asian populations in Canada, Surrey is uniquely positioned to host this museum,” reads the petition. “With a rich cultural history and strong civic pride, Surrey offers the ideal setting to honour the stories, resilience, and achievements of South Asian Canadians.”
Vancouver is also stepping up its game to try and bring the South Asian Canadian Museum to the city.
It is asking supporters to email Anne Kang, the minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport, to let the government know that “Vancouver is the right choice.”
“As B.C.’s premier tourism and transportation hub, Vancouver welcomes millions of regional and international visitors each year,” added the City of Vancouver online.
“A museum here would share South Asian Canadian stories with a global audience while also serving as a vibrant and inclusive space for the local community to gather, celebrate and host cultural programming.”