Surrey Decisions, Daily Consequences: The Power of Your Local Vote
From potholes to policing, your vote in local elections impacts more than you might think.
When people think of politics, their minds often jump to national debates, federal budgets, or prime ministers. But in cities like Surrey, it’s the local elections—for mayor, city council, and school board—that often have the most direct and visible impact on your day-to-day life. Here’s how those decisions shape your everyday experience in British Columbia’s fastest-growing city.
City Planning and Development: Why Some Neighbourhoods Boom While Others Wait
Have you ever noticed how some neighbourhoods in Surrey are buzzing with new condos, widened roads, or freshly renovated parks—while others seem to lag behind, stuck in the past? It’s not random. The difference often lies in city planning decisions—determined not in Ottawa, but right here at City Hall.
At the heart of this is
Surrey’s City Council, made up of your locally elected officials. These individuals hold significant power over how your neighbourhood grows—or doesn’t. Their decisions directly shape:
Zoning and Land Use
Want to know why a new commercial plaza is coming up near your block while another area remains strictly residential? That’s zoning. City Council decides which areas are designated for homes, shops, offices, parks, or mixed-use developments. They determine whether a community gets a school or a shopping center, and whether that empty field becomes a playground or a parking lot.
High-Rise Towers vs. Green Space
Urban density is a major debate in Surrey. Some favour high-rise developments to accommodate population growth and reduce urban sprawl, while others push for the preservation of trees, trails, and open spaces. City Council balances these competing interests—and their decisions can permanently shape the skyline and lifestyle of a neighbourhood.
Housing and Community Services
From affordable housing units to new libraries, rec centres, and public transit options—City Council is in charge. Their choices affect whether young families can find a place to live, whether seniors have accessible facilities, and whether your commute gets shorter or longer.
Infrastructure: Streets and Parks
Wondering when that pothole will finally be fixed? Or when your local park might get new equipment? These decisions come from your city government. Funding for street repaving, sidewalk upgrades, park improvements, and even street lighting is approved in the city budget—crafted and passed by council members you elect.
Why Voting in Surrey’s Local Elections Really Matters
When most people think about voting, they picture national headlines and federal leaders. But in reality, the decisions that most directly affect your daily life—from how safe your neighbourhood feels to how long you sit in traffic—are made right here in Surrey, by local leaders.
Let’s break it down:
Policing and Public Safety
The debate between the RCMP and the Surrey Police Service (SPS) isn’t just a headline—it’s a powerful example of how much influence your mayor and city council truly have.
They decide which policing model gets funded, how community safety programs are implemented, and whether Surrey adopts a more localized or national approach to law enforcement.
These decisions affect:
- Emergency response times
- The presence of community policing officers in your area
- Your overall trust and safety in the neighbourhood
Municipal elections give you a say in crime prevention strategies, drug intervention programs, and how policing adapts to community needs.
Transit and Traffic
If you’re tired of bottlenecks on King George Boulevard, or frustrated by limited bus routes and SkyTrain delays—here’s something to know:
City Council helps set those priorities.
Although transit infrastructure is managed in partnership with TransLink, your local government plays a big role in:
- Advocating for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes
- Pushing for SkyTrain expansions into underserved areas
- Approving road improvements, bike lanes, and walkable streets
Better mobility doesn’t just happen. It takes strong advocacy from leaders who listen to residents—and they only get there if you vote them in.
Education and Youth Programs
While the
curriculum is a provincial matter, the people elected to
local school boards make major decisions that shape your child’s school experience:
- Building new schools and tackling overcrowding
- Funding for mental health support
- Resources for special education
- Investment in after-school and community youth programs
In Surrey—one of the youngest cities in Canada—these aren’t side issues. They’re core to the city’s future.
Everyday City Services
The quality of life in your neighborhood depends on services funded and managed by City Hall. These include:
- Property tax rates
- Garbage and recycling collection
- Library and recreation center upgrades
- Water supply, fire safety, snow removal, and local festivals
When you think of the city budget, think of it like your household budget—but with your
elected council managing the spending.
Why Should You Vote in Surrey’s Local Elections?
Because this is your city.
Local elections may not get splashy media coverage, but they decide the condition of your roads, the quality of your schools, and the safety of your community.
Here’s a surprising stat:
Only 35% of eligible voters turned out in Surrey’s last municipal election. That means a small portion of residents decided policies affecting everyone.
Don’t sit this one out. Your voice truly matters here.
