Surrey, BC – At the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke tabled a motion directing staff to prepare a report on how to proceed with the development of a Surrey Charter. This initiative aims to recognize the city’s rapid growth and unique needs, providing greater autonomy for the city to govern itself.
“Surrey is a vibrant and dynamic city, and it’s time we have the legislative powers to match,” said Mayor Locke. “A Surrey Charter would give us the freedom to innovate and make decisions that are in the best interest of our residents and businesses. We are excited about the possibilities this could bring, from affordable housing options to new economic development opportunities. Our goal is to position Surrey as a leader in the province’s future, and this charter would be a significant step towards achieving that.”
As Surrey is poised to surpass the City of Vancouver in population, it is essential that the city has the legislative powers to match its scale and ambitions. The proposed Surrey Charter would grant the city greater control over key areas such as housing and building regulations, allowing the Council to make decisions that benefit the community and drive local economic growth.
Mayor Locke’s motion directs City staff to prepare a corporate report outlining the process for developing a Surrey Charter, including an assessment of the benefits and challenges, as well as potential models for implementation. This report will be presented to Council at a future meeting.
By exploring a Surrey Charter, the City aims to ensure that its residents have access to services and amenities that meet their needs, while also promoting economic growth and development. This proposal is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to foster a strong and sustainable community for generations to come.