Mayor Locke champions Surrey’s rise while criticizing the NDP on schools, health care, and transit in her assertive state of the city address.
In her state of the city address, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke took a bold stance—celebrating the city’s rapid growth while holding the provincial NDP government to account for what she described as chronic underinvestment in critical infrastructure.
“Four Lanes for Four Lanes”: A Symbolic Jab
Framed by the image of the new Pattullo Bridge under construction, Mayor Locke opened with a pointed quip: “The province is building a four-lane bridge to replace a four-lane bridge.” The line, met with laughter at the sold-out event, set the tone for a speech packed with both civic pride and political challenge.
Education and Health Care in Crisis
Locke’s strongest critiques focused on education. “We have more kids in portables in Surrey than all other districts combined,” she said. “We even, sadly, have portable washrooms. Just simply unacceptable.”
The mayor also pressed the province for more hospital beds, citing gaps in the region’s ability to meet the health needs of its growing population. She underscored Surrey’s trajectory to become the largest city in B.C., emphasizing the urgency of provincial investment in schools, hospitals, and transit.
Big Dreams, Uncertain Funding
Among the marquee announcements was a 10,000-seat arena project near city hall. According to Locke, the venue would anchor a broader mixed-use development including hotels, conference space, retail, and restaurants.
“We’re in the early stages of procurement and looking to partner with an operator,” she said.
However, not everyone shared her enthusiasm. Councillor Linda Annis voiced concern that announcing unfunded projects was premature.
“There were several projects mentioned that we don’t yet have funding for,” Annis told CTV News, including the proposed ice arena.
Advocating for Education: A United Front Needed
Annis also echoed the mayor’s frustrations about overcrowded schools but suggested a more collaborative approach.
“We do have almost 400 portables here,” she said. “We need consistent meetings with trustees, MLAs, and the education minister to resolve this. It’s not a new problem—it’s a long-standing one.”
Vision 2050
Locke concluded by introducing Surrey 2050, a citywide planning initiative that will chart long-term goals across housing, employment, and transit. The initiative aims to guide Surrey’s evolution into a million-resident metropolis.
As the city surges forward, the tension between ambition and resources remains clear—and Locke’s message to the province was equally so: Surrey is ready to lead, but it needs a partner, not just a passenger.
