Linda Hepner returns to politics as Surrey–Serpentine River’s MLA, bringing decades of experience, bold plans, and deep community roots.
Introduction
At 75, Linda Hepner is making headlines with a bold political comeback—and she’s not easing in quietly. Known for her years as Surrey’s dynamic mayor, Hepner has returned to public service as the first-ever MLA for the newly created Surrey–Serpentine River riding. What sparked the return? A deep-rooted passion for her city, her grandchildren’s future, and a desire to bring municipal-level insight to the provincial stage. Her journey proves that public service has no age limit—and that seasoned experience might be exactly what Victoria needs right now.
Early Life and Background
Born on May 16, 1949, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Linda Hepner’s early life hinted at the resilience and determination that would later define her public career. Raised with strong values and a deep appreciation for community, she eventually made her way west to British Columbia, settling in Surrey in 1985. It wasn’t long before she became an integral part of the city’s development landscape, taking on roles such as economic development manager and ombudsman liaison.
In addition to her professional ambitions, Hepner’s personal life has remained deeply grounded. She’s married to Alan McMillan and is the proud mother of Gordon Hepner, who serves as a Surrey city councillor. Family, service, and civic pride have always gone hand-in-hand in her life. From organizing large-scale events to helping establish community organizations, her early efforts quietly laid the groundwork for what would become a prominent political career.
Career Journey
Hepner officially entered the political arena in 2005 when she was elected to Surrey City Council. Over the next nine years, she emerged as a forward-thinking leader with a knack for collaboration and long-term planning. She played key roles in initiatives like Olympic planning committees and red tape reduction strategies, which significantly boosted Surrey’s economic and administrative efficiency.
In 2014, she rose to the position of mayor under the Surrey First banner. As mayor, she championed large-scale infrastructure projects, notably the early push for light rail transit. She also focused on housing solutions, leading efforts to dismantle homeless camps and transition individuals into modular housing. Hepner was particularly focused on community safety, sustainable development, and civic innovation—pushing forward Surrey’s Coastal Adaptation Strategy to address future flood risks.
Her leadership style was often described as calm yet confident, blending a business-savvy approach with a community-first mindset. After decades of public service, she stepped away in 2018, prioritizing family life and cherishing everyday joys like school pickups with her grandchildren.
Key Achievements & Public Perception
Linda Hepner’s tenure is remembered for transformative urban planning and people-centered policies. She earned praise for pushing forward housing strategies that balanced development with dignity. Her modular housing projects, support for transit infrastructure, and commitment to disaster preparedness through environmental planning earned her the respect of both residents and colleagues.
She is widely perceived as a leader who listens—someone who doesn’t just make promises but delivers results. Her legacy includes a more connected, forward-facing Surrey and a culture of collaboration in civic spaces. Even in retirement, her name carried weight, a testament to her enduring impact on the city.
Controversies & Challenges
Hepner’s decision not to seek re-election in 2018 came as a surprise to many. While she cited personal reasons—chiefly, wanting to spend more time with family—her exit left a noticeable gap in city leadership. Her party, Surrey First, eventually fractured, leading to a shift in political power at City Hall. Some critics questioned her handling of contentious issues like policing and transit, but few doubted her dedication or integrity. In the end, her choice to step back was seen as selfless rather than strategic.
Current Role & Future Outlook
Fast-forward to 2024, and Hepner is back in action. Winning the new Surrey–Serpentine River riding by a razor-thin margin, she now serves as an MLA representing the BC Conservatives. Already appointed as the party’s housing critic, she plans to use her deep knowledge of city infrastructure and community needs to influence policy at the provincial level.
Looking ahead, Hepner is focused on securing better funding for schools, hospitals, and transit. She’s also keen on establishing a strong constituency office to serve residents directly. Despite her age, she has no plans to slow down and has even hinted at running again in the future. Her motto is clear: experience isn’t just useful—it’s essential.
Conclusion
Linda Hepner’s political story is far from over. From her early days in city planning to her time as Surrey’s mayor and now as a provincial MLA, she’s built a legacy grounded in service, vision, and persistence. As she takes on new challenges in Victoria, her blend of seasoned leadership and community-driven purpose makes her one of the most compelling figures in British Columbia’s political landscape today. For Hepner, coming back isn’t about reclaiming the past—it’s about building a better future.
