Surrey Councillor Pardeep Kooner leads climate, housing and tree protection, shaping city policy with purpose. Discover her journey and bold initiatives.
Intro
Imagine a city councillor who doesn’t just show up for meetings but reshapes the agenda. That’s Pardeep Kooner—a rising voice in Surrey’s city politics, known for her sharp focus on climate, housing, and community well-being. Since joining council, she’s been a force behind renter protections, environmental reforms, and equity-driven policy. Let’s dive into how she got here and what she’s doing to steer Surrey forward.
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Surrey, Pardeep Kooner carries a deep connection to the city’s people and its future. While she keeps much of her early personal life private, her passion for equity and sustainability reveals a strong grounding in values likely nurtured by her family and community. Her educational background—believed to be in public policy or finance—has played a vital role in shaping her analytical approach to governance.
Kooner’s roots are reflected in her leadership style: community-first, data-informed, and boldly transparent. Even before politics, she was seen as a strong advocate for local issues, always ready to ask tough questions and push for solutions that go beyond headlines.
Career Journey
Pardeep Kooner was elected to Surrey City Council in 2022 as part of the Surrey Connect team. She quickly became a key figure on the council, assuming leading roles in areas that align with her passions. She currently chairs the Environment and Climate Change Committee—a powerful position she uses to push climate policy and sustainability initiatives.
As vice-chair of the Social Equity and Public Safety Committee and co-lead of both the Parks and Recreation and Arts and Culture committees, she’s helped shape policies around community health, public spaces, and local culture. But she’s not just occupying seats—she’s getting things done.
Kooner led a motion to increase penalties for illegal tree cutting and accelerate reforms to Surrey’s tree protection bylaws. She has also advocated for better living standards for renters by proposing reviews of heating, maintenance, and health conditions in rental housing. These efforts show her intent to not just speak for the people—but act on their concerns.
Another bold move came when she backed Surrey’s withdrawal from the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy. She argued the city was being treated unfairly and paying more than its share, a position that stirred significant debate but reflected her readiness to challenge the status quo when needed.
Although not everyone agrees with her tactics, her work ethic and ability to navigate complex issues have earned her recognition as a problem-solver and a policy-focused councillor.
Key Achievements & Public Perceptio
Environmental Action
As chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, Kooner has taken real steps to make sustainability more than a buzzword. She initiated a review of tree protection regulations, aiming for tougher enforcement and better transparency. Under her watch, Surrey is looking at ways to become more resilient to climate change, reduce emissions, and protect its natural assets.
Housing and Equity
Kooner is also leading efforts to improve the standard of care for renters. She proposed that city staff investigate whether current housing maintenance rules adequately protect tenants’ health and safety—highlighting gaps in enforcement and equity. These kinds of actions underline her concern for often-overlooked residents in fast-growing cities like Surrey.
Public Perception
In the public eye, Kooner is seen as intelligent, direct, and policy-driven. She isn’t afraid to challenge existing frameworks, even if it means facing political heat. Her work draws support from community activists, environmental advocates, and renters. However, she has also faced skepticism from political opponents, especially those left out of key committee roles, who have questioned the distribution of influence within the council.
Controversies & Challenges
One of the major controversies she’s faced involves a family connection. In 2024, critics raised concerns over the hiring of her cousin into a high-level city role, accusing the administration of favoritism. Although city officials defended the hire as qualified and transparent, the issue sparked public debate. Kooner, for her part, continued focusing on her policy goals, avoiding the drama while reinforcing her commitment to accountability.
Current Role & Future Outlook
Today, Pardeep Kooner holds multiple leadership roles within council and continues to be a pivotal figure in shaping the city’s direction. With her term running until 2026, she’s expected to introduce more reforms focused on environmental resilience, fair housing, and transparent governance.
As one of the few councillors consistently pushing for progressive policies, her influence is only growing. If her track record is any indicator, Kooner may become one of Surrey’s defining voices in the years to come.
Conclusion
Pardeep Kooner’s journey from local advocate to influential city councillor is marked by bold choices, smart policies, and a commitment to the people of Surrey. Whether championing greener neighborhoods or fairer housing, she brings energy and clarity to every issue she tackles. And as the city evolves, voices like hers will shape the future—one motion, one bylaw, and one community at a time.
