FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 22, 2026, SURREY B.C. — On Earth Day, Imagine Surrey and mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk announced a three-part environmental commitment for the October 17, 2026 municipal election: planting 100,000 additional trees where they are most needed over a four-year term, expanding Surrey’s greenway and trail network, and retrofitting parks and public spaces to withstand the heat, storms, and flooding of our changing climate.
The commitment is anchored within the Imagine Surrey ‘City of Champions’ platform under the Smart Investments and Strong Services pillars. Kevin Wilkie, Imagine Surrey council candidate and former federal Green Party of Canada candidate, is leading the slate’s environmental file.
“I ran federally for Elizabeth May and the Greens because she taught me the environment isn’t a side issue — it’s the ground every other issue will stand on in the next 2 decades. Your job, your home, your kids’ future. She also showed us you can be principled and practical at the same time,” stated Kevin Wilkie. “That’s why I’m proud to bring those values to Imagine Surrey. Parties don’t plant trees. Cities do. A council that commits to 100,000 additional trees, connected greenways and parks built for the climate we actually live in — that’s where Green values take root and get practically delivered.”
“Surrey is the fastest-growing city in British Columbia, and for years we’ve been building concrete without canopy. You can feel it on a hot July afternoon,” said Mike Starchuk, candidate for Mayor of Surrey. “Families didn’t ask for a city that’s hotter, louder, and harder to breathe in. Imagine Surrey has the plan that grows the city and grows green at the same time. Connected greenways. Climate-resilient parks. And every tree we plant — a promise to the next generation.”
The Imagine Surrey Earth Day commitment has three parts. First, a 100,000-tree planting program over four years, above Surrey’s existing pace, prioritizing neighbourhoods with the lowest existing canopy, school, recreation and Senior’s zones, and heat-vulnerable corridors, with canopy gains reported publicly each year. Second, greenway and trail expansion of 10%, and park expansion of 5% (alongside 50kms of safe, new sidewalks), connecting existing parks, creeks, and neighbourhoods with continuous walking and cycling routes across Guildford, Whalley, Fleetwood, Cloverdale, Newton, and South Surrey. Third, climate-resilient parks and public spaces — shade structures, water features, permeable surfaces and restored natural drainage, as we incentivize new builds with green walls and roofs, and shaded areas for employees and residents to enjoy outside.
About Imagine Surrey
Imagine Surrey is a non-partisan civic party running a full slate of candidates in the October 17, 2026 municipal election. Led by mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk, Imagine Surrey is committed to making Surrey the City of Champions by delivering: Safe streets, fast commutes, smart investments, lower costs, and strong services. Imagine Surrey is the only team offering real change that works for the residents of Surrey.
Council candidates: Yousef Aldabainah, Chandan Chahal, Perminder Chohan, Narima Dela Cruz, Ashiyana Hanif, William Li, Dr. Margaret Mubanda, and Kevin Wilkie.
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Media Contact
Scott Williams
Imagine Surrey & Mike for Mayor Campaign
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