7.99°C Vancouver
connect fm logo

Dec 30, 2022 1:19 AM - Connect News

Year-end message from Mayor Brenda Locke

Share On
year-end-message-from-mayor-brenda-locke
As we say goodbye to 2022 and hello to a brand-new year, the City of Surrey continues to go through transformative changes. (Photo - Anita Huberman/twitter)

"As we say goodbye to 2022 and hello to a brand-new year, the City of Surrey continues to go through transformative changes. Though my time in the Mayor’s chair has only just begun, the new City Council and I have taken significant action to re-establish openness, transparency and citizen participation. The Ethics Commissioner will be restored and strengthened by having more independence. The Surrey City Development Corporation (SCDC) will also resume operations. A valuable asset to our City since 2007, SCDC will once again be advancing new and strategic investments in Surrey.

"Policing in Surrey has been in flux over the past four years and the new City Council has taken action to end the uncertainty and added expense of creating a new police department. For 70 years, the RCMP has served this city well and the latest statistics show crime in Surrey trending downward over the past ten years. Council has voted to restore the RCMP as the police of jurisdiction for our City. By doing so, $235 million dollars in policing costs will be saved over the next 5 years, a significant savings for Surrey taxpayers in these uncertain economic times. Council is working hard with senior management to bring about these positive changes.

"Citizen participation and input will also resume in earnest as we resurrect committees, in the new year, that have sat dormant for far too long. If you are interested in participating in a committee, please visit the City’s website to put your name forward. Residents and business owners will have the opportunity to have their say on the City Budget as we bring consultations into the community. Also critical to the running of a big city is transportation and housing. More public transit options will be coming to Surrey to move riders quickly and more frequently. Together with the Federal and Provincial Governments, Council is committed to addressing the need for supportive housing for our vulnerable residents and affordable housing for those looking to get into the market.

"As we head into 2023, know that your City Council is here for you. Your voices will be heard. Your input will be valued and respected.

"Enjoy the holidays and a Happy New Year to all."

Latest news

See All
b-c-ndp-pledges-legally-enforced-nurse-to-patient-ratios-in-hospitals
BCOct 22, 2026

B.C. NDP Pledges Legally Enforced Nurse-to-Patient Ratios in Hospitals

B.C. NDP Leader David Eby announced during a campaign event in Vancouver on Thursday morning that his party would legally establish nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals, setting limits on the number of patients each nurse can care for. Eby said the policy would initially be implemented in emergency departments. He also claimed that British Columbia is the first province in Canada to offer such a guarantee, adding that more than 4,700 nurses have already been added to the health-care system under the initiative. As part of its election platform, the NDP is also promising to add 1,000 new traini
bc-conservative-leader-lorne-doerkson-accuses-ndp-of-failing-surrey-residents
BCOct 22, 2026

BC Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson Accuses NDP of Failing Surrey Residents

BC Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson has sharply criticized David Eby’s BC NDP government, accusing it of making empty promises to Surrey residents over the past nine years. Doerkson said Surrey continues to face overcrowded schools, emergency room closures, a shortage of doctors and a growing extortion problem. He alleged that the Eby government has failed to deliver on its promises to the city, while major projects have gone over budget and areas such as Newton have been neglected. Unveiling his Surrey Success Plan, Doerkson pledged that a BC Conservative government would fulfill its comm
punjab-cms-osd-rajbir-ghuman-skips-cbi-questioning-in-alleged-corruption-case
IndiaOct 22, 2026

Punjab CM’s OSD Rajbir Ghuman Skips CBI Questioning in Alleged Corruption Case

Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, did not appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Chandigarh for questioning in an alleged corruption case. This is the third time the CBI has summoned Ghuman for questioning. During two previous sessions, the agency reportedly asked him a total of 90 questions. Meanwhile, senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia targeted the Punjab government over allegations of corruption. He called for investigations into various matters, including alleged bribery in the transfer
CanadaOct 22, 2026

Direct Flights Between Canada and Türkiye to Nearly Double

Canada and Türkiye have signed a new air transport agreement to increase passenger flights between the two countries. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that trade negotiators from both countries will begin discussions in Ankara next month to lay the groundwork for a first round of free trade agreement talks. Carney said bilateral trade between Canada and Türkiye has increased by 50 per cent over the past five years, highlighting significant potential for further growth. During his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Carney also signed a defence cooperation agree
AlbertaOct 22, 2026

Alberta Reports Sharp Rise in Flu Cases, 5 Deaths and 26 ICU Admissions

Alberta is seeing a significant rise in influenza cases well before the official flu season begins. As of October 11, the province had recorded 366 laboratory-confirmed flu cases, compared with just 42 during the same period last year. Hospitalizations have also increased, with nearly 300 Albertans hospitalized due to influenza since August. Among them, 26 patients, including two young children, have required intensive care. Five people have died from influenza since August, including four in the Calgary zone. Flu vaccines became available to the general public on October 19. So far, approxima

Related News

B.C. NDP Pledges Legally Enforced Nurse-to-Patient Ratios in Hospitals

B.C. NDP Pledges Legally Enforced Nurse-to-Patient Ratios in Hospitals

B.C. NDP Leader David Eby announced during a campaign event in Vancouver on Thursday morning that his party would legally establish nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals, setting limits on the number of patients each nurse can care for. Eby said the policy would initially be implemented in emergency departments. He also claimed that British Columbia is the first province in Canada to offer such a guarantee, adding that more than 4,700 nurses have already been added to the health-care system under the initiative. As part of its election platform, the NDP is also promising to add 1,000 new traini
BC Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson Accuses NDP of Failing Surrey Residents

BC Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson Accuses NDP of Failing Surrey Residents

BC Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson has sharply criticized David Eby’s BC NDP government, accusing it of making empty promises to Surrey residents over the past nine years. Doerkson said Surrey continues to face overcrowded schools, emergency room closures, a shortage of doctors and a growing extortion problem. He alleged that the Eby government has failed to deliver on its promises to the city, while major projects have gone over budget and areas such as Newton have been neglected. Unveiling his Surrey Success Plan, Doerkson pledged that a BC Conservative government would fulfill its comm
70% of Vancouver Voters Back Ban on Public Drug Use

70% of Vancouver Voters Back Ban on Public Drug Use

Nearly 70% of Vancouver voters supported banning the open use of drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl in public spaces, according to a non-binding question included alongside the municipal election ballot. Meanwhile, 68% supported urging the provincial government to build a secure medical facility with more than 100 beds at the site of the former St. Paul’s Hospital for patients struggling with severe mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Both questions were added to the ballot at the request of former Mayor Ken Sim. However, newly elected Mayor Pete Fry describ
connect fm logo

Legals

Privacy policy
Journalism code of ethics
© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.
MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

About
Advertisers
Careers
Contact
Feedback
Accessibility Plan
Broadcasting Notice of Consultation
BC Children's Hospital
Android app linkApple app link