FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 4, 2026, SURREY B.C. — Imagine Surrey mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk today announced the City of Champions pledge to build civic pride and unity. To honour the people who truly made Surrey what it is – not politicians, but the real champions of our city – Imagine Surrey will rebrand and re-wire Surrey into the City of Champions that it is.
“As Surrey grows into British Columbia’s largest city, our identity should reflect the best of who we are,” said Mike Starchuk. “That’s why Imagine Surrey is pledging to make Surrey the City of Champions — by honouring the community builders, humanitarians, innovators, educators, first responders, athletes, and everyday heroes who unite us and inspire the next generation.” The City of Champions pledge will recognize Surrey’s heroes, through:
- Rebranding Surrey’s tagline from ‘The Future Lives Here’ to the ‘City of Champions’
- Champion-based naming of parks and civic spaces, roads, and key infrastructure
- Public murals, monuments, statues, and art that tell their stories
- Storytelling displays in civic buildings and community hubs
“There are countless Surrey champions worth celebrating — people like Olympic gold medalist Daniel Igali or builder Bing Thom or veteran Zennosuke Inouye, and many more whose impact is felt every day in our neighbourhoods,” Starchuk added. “This is about lifting Surrey up and building a city identity that reflects who we really are: a city of champions.”
Starchuk said Imagine Surrey is running a team of community-rooted champions committed to realizing Surrey’s full potential. Over the coming weeks and months, Imagine Surrey will announce more exciting, generational ideas and projects to build on Surrey’s new identity.
“Surrey’s best days are ahead,” he concluded. “We’re ready to lead with pride, deliver results, and build a city that matches its momentum. It all starts with celebrating our people and their achievements, not politicians for political purposes … whatever those purposes may be.”
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Media Contact:
Scott Williams
Imagine Surrey & ‘Mike for Mayor’
604-356-7606
[email protected]