Envision Financial is addressing inaccurate information circulating on social media that has named our organization in connection with a lease dispute between a neighbouring restaurant tenant and their landlord in Surrey, B.C. Details of the dispute are posted on the restaurant’s entrance. We want to provide clarity.

Our Newton branch team has faced severe, ongoing air quality issues for more than a year, making the environment unsafe for our employees and for members of the community who visit the branch. Team members have reported nausea, headaches, burning eyes and breathing challenges, forcing us to close the branch on several occasions, limiting access to essential financial services for members in the community. These are not minor inconveniences, but documented health and safety concerns that we cannot ignore.

The lease dispute is between the landlord and tenant regarding lease compliance and ventilation requirements. The landlord’s posted notice, and a publicly available Fraser Health inspection from August 2025, have confirmed ventilation deficiencies.

We, including our Newton branch team members, are local members of the community who deeply understand and value the role that food, culture and small business play in making our neighbourhoods vibrant.

Suggestions that our concerns are motivated by anything other than the health and safety of our branch team and members of the community are false. We have always hoped for a resolution that works for everyone—including the restaurant—so that all tenants can thrive in a way that respects shared spaces and ensures a safe environment for all. Envision Financial remains committed to supporting local businesses and celebrating the diversity that makes our community strong.

Media Contacts
mediarelations@firstwestcu.ca