Mayor Brenda Locke Unveils Transformational Vision for Surrey’s Future During State of the City Address

By Janice Lozano

SURREY, BC — Brenda Locke delivered a bold and wide-ranging State of the City Address on Thursday, laying out a decisive vision for the future of Surrey centered on public safety, economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and long-term city-building.

As Surrey rapidly emerges as one of Canada’s most influential urban centres and prepares to become the largest city in British Columbia, Mayor Locke emphasized the importance of acting now to meet the demands of a fast-growing population while protecting the quality of life of residents and businesses.

A major focus of the address was public safety.

Mayor Locke announced the creation of a new 15-acre Public Safety Training Campus in Anniedale-Tynehead, designed to strengthen the training and readiness of police, fire, and emergency personnel serving Surrey’s expanding communities.

The City also introduced a sweeping five-year public safety strategy that will add 560 new frontline personnel, including police officers, firefighters, bylaw officers, and other emergency response staff. The plan aims to improve response times, strengthen neighbourhood safety, and ensure Surrey has the capacity to meet growing service demands.

“The State of the City commitments are about keeping residents and business owners safe and providing the capacity needed to serve an evolving city,” Mayor Locke stated. “We are focused on creating a future that allows people to build better lives here in Surrey.”

Another landmark announcement was the proposed development of a convention centre in Cloverdale spanning up to 200,000 square feet — a major investment expected to elevate Surrey’s profile as a destination for conferences, trade shows, tourism, entertainment, and large-scale events.

The mayor also outlined additional strategic priorities that will shape Surrey’s next phase of growth, including:

• Expansion and modernization of police, fire, and bylaw facilities across City Centre, South Surrey, and Cloverdale.

• Increased use of drone technology to support emergency response and public safety operations.

• Establishment of a new health advisory panel focused on improving coordination and addressing local healthcare priorities.

• Consideration of a new three-sheet ice arena in South Surrey to support recreation and community growth.

• Maintaining a 2.6 per cent property tax increase — among the lowest in the region — while continuing to invest in critical infrastructure and services.

Throughout the address, Mayor Locke reinforced Surrey’s emergence as a major economic force within British Columbia and underscored the importance of investing boldly in the city’s future.

“Surrey is not waiting for permission to grow into its future — we are building it,” Mayor Locke said. “We’re becoming the economic engine of British Columbia. With that comes responsibility to invest in infrastructure, enhance public safety, and ensure our communities take shape in a way that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.”

The address closed with a strong call for unity, momentum, and continued confidence in Surrey’s direction.

“Big things are happening in Surrey, and they reflect the scale of what we’re becoming,” Mayor Locke added. “Surrey has everything it needs to succeed as a leading urban centre in Canada. Our responsibility now is to stay focused, stay united, and keep delivering for the people who call this place home.”