Surrey Mayor in Cloverdala Debate 2026

Event Overview: Organized by the local Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, this mayoral candidate forum brought together six candidates running for Mayor of Surrey in the October 17, 2026 municipal election. Moderator & Host: Scott (Chamber Host) opened the event, Alisa Alexis delivered the First Nations land acknowledgment, and Walter van Halst moderated. Key Candidates Present: Mike Starchuk (Imagine Surrey), Doug McCallum (Safe Surrey Coalition), Troy Van Vliet (SurreyNow), Brenda Locke (Surrey Connect / Incumbent Mayor), Linda Annis (Surrey First), and Igal Ammons II (New Surrey+). (Candidate Surtaj Deo was unable to attend due to an emergency). Core Topics Discussed:Housing & Permitting: Speeding up approval processes, utilizing AI, reducing developer red tape, and creating pre-zoned districts for affordable/missing-middle housing. Property Taxes & Fiscal Management: Debates over a 0% tax freeze proposal versus capping tax rates to inflation to preserve municipal services. Transit & Infrastructure: Highway upgrades (e.g., 16th Ave), expanding rapid transit/bus networks, supply chain infrastructure (trucking, rail), and adjusting to the SkyTrain extension. Public Safety & Crime: Addressing retail theft, illegal drug/addiction crisis, expanding police/bylaw coverage, and alternative technologies (drones/helicopters). Cloverdale Fairgrounds & Recreation: Preserving the Cloverdale Rodeo, constructing new indoor swimming pools, and expanding sports tourism infrastructure.

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