By Janice Lozano
SURREY, BC — Community leaders, residents, and supporters gathered Thursday evening at The Gables at Surrey Farms for a significant Surrey Connect event, where Brenda Locke, Mayor of Surrey, formally announced her intention to seek re-election in the 2026 Surrey municipal election.
The evening marked an important moment for the city’s political landscape, bringing together a broad cross-section of community members who came to hear the mayor outline her vision for Surrey’s future and reflect on the progress made during her term in office.
In her remarks, Mayor Locke spoke about the accomplishments achieved alongside Surrey City Council over the past several years. She highlighted key initiatives focused on strengthening public safety, improving community services, supporting local families, and ensuring responsible governance for one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. The mayor emphasized that while meaningful progress has been made, the work of building a stronger and more connected Surrey continues.
“Our focus has always been on delivering for residents and ensuring that Surrey continues to grow in a way that reflects the needs and values of our community,” Mayor Locke said during the event. “We are committed to responsible leadership, transparency, and collaboration as we move forward together.”
A special moment of the evening came when former Premier of British Columbia, Christy Clark, took the stage to introduce Mayor Locke. Clark spoke about the mayor’s leadership and dedication to public service, acknowledging her continued commitment to the residents of Surrey and her ability to bring people together to move the city forward.
The event also served as the platform for a significant announcement within the Surrey Connect team — the official introduction of Filipino-Canadian community leader Noemi Victorino as a candidate for Surrey City Council.
Mayor Locke praised Victorino’s leadership, integrity, and long-standing commitment to community service. She described Victorino as a genuine and compassionate individual who has consistently demonstrated a deep dedication to helping others and uplifting the community.
“Her character, honesty, and passion for service are exactly the qualities we need in local government,” Mayor Locke said. “Noemi understands the importance of listening to residents and advocating for their needs, and I have full confidence she will be a strong voice for the people of Surrey.”
Victorino’s candidacy represents an important moment for Surrey’s diverse population, particularly within the city’s vibrant Filipino-Canadian community. Her decision to step forward reflects a growing movement of community leaders who are committed to ensuring that local government reflects the voices and experiences of the residents it serves.
Following the announcement, Victorino shared a heartfelt message of gratitude with supporters who attended the gathering.
“I’m still riding the wave of emotion from last night’s formal announcement — a moment that will stay etched in my memory forever,” Victorino said. “The outpouring of support from our community and beyond was profoundly moving, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who came to share this milestone with me and the Surrey Connect team.”
Victorino acknowledged that the overwhelming turnout reflected the strong sense of community and shared purpose among those who attended.
“Your presence meant the world,” she said. “Though I can’t thank each of you by name, please know that I recognize the support and I look forward to thanking you in person. To those who couldn’t attend, your messages truly touched my heart.”
She also expressed pride in joining a team she described as dynamic and deeply committed to the future of Surrey, under Mayor Locke’s leadership, alongside current and prospective council members including Pardeep Kooner, Harry Bains, Gordon Hepner, Rob Stutt, and fellow council candidate Rona Tepper.
Throughout the evening, attendees shared conversations about the future of Surrey, highlighting the importance of inclusive leadership, community engagement, and thoughtful planning as the city continues to grow. The gathering underscored a shared commitment among supporters and community leaders to work collaboratively toward a prosperous, safe, and inclusive future for all residents.
With the 2026 municipal election on the horizon, the Surrey Connect team signaled a strong and unified start to the campaign season — one centered on leadership, representation, and continued progress for the city.
The event concluded with a spirit of optimism and momentum, as attendees left energized by the evening’s announcements and the vision presented for Surrey’s next chapter.
ReyFort Media 
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