New CEO for Surrey-owned real estate development co.

Published 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Surrey City Development Corporation (SCDC), the City of Surrey-owned real estate development company, has a new president and CEO.

Bill Aujla, a Vancouver lawyer and real estate executive, has taken over from Michael Heeney, who led SCDC starting in 2017.

Heeney returned in 2023 after a two-year pause for the company, which was created to develop surplus city lands, generate revenue and “act as a catalyst for the city’s economic, social and community goals,” focused on large-scale projects.

Heeney’s departure from SCDC was announced Oct. 20, and word of Aujla’s hiring was posted Nov. 6 on scdc.ca.

Aujla, former vice-president of real estate for Aquilini Investment Group, previously worked for the City of Vancouver as project manager for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Village, among other roles.

Surrey City Development Corporation’s past and future projects include 3 Civic Plaza, Campbell Heights industrial lands, the Centre Block development downtown, Gateway and Newton Town Centre.

SCDC board chair Darren Donnelly said Aujla brings extensive public- and private-sector experience in law, real estate, strategic partnerships, and projects and contract management to the role.

“The variety and depth of his background will be invaluable in delivering both the projects in progress and those that are being planned to make Surrey a better city,” Donnelly stated.

Aujla said he’s “honoured to lead SCDC and look forward to collaborating with our board, staff and partners, City of Surrey staff and Council, and community stakeholders to advance developments that support and accelerate Surrey’s social, cultural, community, economic and environmental objectives.

“Together, we will continue to provide strategic leadership for City-of-Surrey-owned lands and build on SCDC’s strong tradition of excellence.”

SCDC is described as “a value-added real estate development company wholly owned by the City of Surrey with independent finance, operations, and governance.”

Donnelly saluted the departing Heeney for his “leadership, vision and depth of expertise” that he brought to SCDC.

Heeney said he departs SCDC “well-equipped to help advance the City of Surrey even further in the future,” he stated. “In addition to the major projects underway in City Centre, there are exciting opportunities for industrial development and important master planning initiatives in Newton Town Centre and the Cloverdale Fairgrounds that will provide a pipeline for SCDC activity well into the future. Most importantly, I leave a talented team who are dedicated to bringing SCDC’s visions to reality.”

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