In the News: Surrey mayoral candidate says council betrayed affordable housing strategy

SURREY CITIZEN – Surrey mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk says Surrey council failed residents by rejecting a South Surrey supportive housing proposal that would have delivered 262 homes, including 202 non-market rental units. Starchuk criticized Mayor Brenda Locke for allowing misinformation and fears about drug use to derail the BC Housing-supported project despite staff recommendations and confirmation that it was not a safe injection site.

In the News: Surrey mayor stresses public safety plan in state of city address, rivals skeptical amid extortion crisis

CTV NEWS VANCOUVER – Brenda Locke used her annual State of the City Address to position public safety as a key election issue, announcing plans to hire 560 additional police, fire, and emergency personnel amid a growing extortion crisis in Surrey. Political rivals, including Linda Annis, Doug McCallum, and Mike Starchuk, criticized the proposals as underfunded and reflective of broader concerns over the city’s direction and public safety response.

In the News: ‘Lead, follow or get out of our way,’ Surrey mayor says

SURREY NOW – Brenda Locke used her 2026 State of the City Address to outline major investments in public safety, infrastructure, and economic development while renewing her call for a charter that would give Surrey greater autonomy. The speech also drew criticism from political opponents, who argued residents are not seeing enough tangible results despite the city’s rapid growth and ambitious project announcements.