Facebook page targeting Surrey called ‘disgusting’

A screenshot of a Facebook page titled 'Only in Surrey' is raising the ire of local business officials who say it is 'digusting,' and an unfair portrayal of the city. Jan. 18, 2015. (Facebook)

It’s not the first time someone has made light of the city of Surrey’s less-than-flattering reputation.

But some are calling an increasingly popular Facebook page showcasing the city’s problems “disgusting.”

Photos posted to the page anonymously purport to show homelessness, used condoms and needles, and in one widely shared post, oral sex on a public SkyTrain car.

The page, titled “Only in surrey,” had more than 12,000 “Likes” on the social media site as of Sunday afternoon – but some residents aren’t amused.

“When I saw the Facebook page I was actually quite disgusted,” said Anita Huberman, CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade. “They’re showcasing photos focusing on the negativeness in our city and really, many of the photos are gross.”

Huberman said the page is unfair because the city has taken strides to combat its perceived homelessness and crime problem.

“I really think Surrey’s reputation has improved, especially over the past five years,” she said. “To only focus on the negative doesn’t really solve the problem…You need to work with your city stakeholders; you need to work collaboratively with the province, with the federal government around homelessness issues, mental health issues.”

The creator of the page wouldn’t speak to CTV News on camera and wouldn’t disclose their identity, but in a message, said they have lived in Surrey for a decade.

“I started the page because I was shocked at how often I was personally witnessing crime and the other issues I stress on the page,” they wrote.

The city has received its fair share of unwanted attention in recent years.

During a spate of gun-related murders in 2013, a website called SurreyShirts.com started selling T-shirts with phrases like “Better Safe Than Surrey,” and “The Future Dies Here,” mocking the city’s official slogan.

A YouTube video titled “Harlem Shake: Surrey Edition” also went viral in 2013. The video shows one man dancing as music builds up, and when the bass line kicks in, he is shot.

Despite some protests, the creator of the Facebook page said they are not working against the city and hope it will inspire change for the better.

With a report from CTV Vancouver's Michele Brunoro