Imagine Surrey mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk says an Imagine Surrey council would support affordable housing projects and work to restore housing developments that were cancelled or deferred in Surrey.
Starchuk cited a proposed Semiahmoo Town Centre project announced in September 2025 that included 262 homes, including 202 non-market rentals, 40 supportive homes and 20 complex-care homes. He said council later voted unanimously to send the project back to staff, and BC Housing subsequently announced the project would not proceed.
Starchuk said six additional projects were also deferred, bringing the total to 954 homes and $421 million in projects he says were lost.
Imagine Surrey says it would support supportive and complex-care housing near transit and services, create a city land inventory for affordable housing providers, offer incentives for below-market homes and strengthen renter protections.
Starchuk is also asking candidates in the October 24 provincial election to commit to restoring the 954 homes.
“Staff said yes. The province was at the table. Council said no to 60 homes and lost all 262, and three months later the province walked away from 954,” said Starchuk. “I would have said yes. I’m the only candidate in this race who would have.”
Imagine Surrey council candidate Dr. Margaret Mubanda said her experience as a foster parent and social worker has shown her the importance of complex-care housing.
“Council had 262 homes in front of it and said no. We will do better for you,” Mubanda said.