The Newton area, like all other areas of Surrey and the Lower Mainland, is situated on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish people, including the Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo nations who have ancient and ongoing ties to this place.
The area is named after Elias John Newton, a settler with a homestead along 72 Avenue (known as Newton Road, ca. 1890-1957) near 124 Street (southern boundary of Newton Athletic Park). The Newton name was more firmly recognized in 1910 following the establishment of Newton Station on the B.C. Electric Railway line.
In 1914, Newton Elementary opened on the northwest corner of the intersection of today’s King George Boulevard and 72 Avenue. This intersection would gradually become the main commercial district of the area, particularly after the completion of King George Boulevard in 1940.
Numerous businesses opened in the vicinity of 72 Avenue and King George Boulevard, and gradually municipal services and amenities were established, including the Newton Library, Unwin Park, Newton Arena (1973), Newton Athletic Park, and Newton Wave Pool (1987).
Princess Margaret Secondary School (1951) was the first high school to open in the area, followed by Frank Hurt Secondary School (1973).
The population of the area began to increase substantially in the 1980s. In 2016 the broader Newton community was home to over 149,000 residents, making it the most populous community in Surrey.
