Add StudioX as a preferred source on GoogleMayor Doug McCallum says the November 9 meeting will address a proposed property-tax freeze, a women and children’s hospital in Newton, SkyTrain expansion and other campaign commitments.
SURREY, B.C. — November 3, 2026
Mayor Doug McCallum and Surrey’s eight councillors have officially taken office for the 2026–2030 municipal term, with the mayor announcing that the new council will introduce motions addressing all 15 of its election commitments at its first regular meeting on November 9.
The council members took their oaths of office during an inauguration ceremony at Surrey City Hall on Monday evening, November 2.
In his inaugural address, McCallum said the first meeting would focus on moving forward with the commitments made during the October 17 municipal election campaign.
Among the proposed measures are a four-year property-tax freeze, advancing plans for a new women’s and children’s hospital on City-owned land in Newton, and pursuing a SkyTrain extension along King George Boulevard to Newton.
Council is also expected to introduce motions to establish a Commission on Government Efficiency, with a report due within 100 days, and strengthen penalties for illegal dumping.
“The people of Surrey did not elect this Council to study things. They elected us to get things done, and that work starts at our first meeting,” McCallum said.
Hospital and SkyTrain among major commitments
The proposed Newton women’s and children’s hospital is one of the major infrastructure commitments identified by the mayor.
According to the City, the proposal involves using City-owned land in Newton and fast-tracking municipal approvals.
The council also intends to move forward with the proposed SkyTrain extension along King George Boulevard to Newton.
McCallum said the City would work with the provincial and federal governments to advance both projects.
“When the largest city in the province, the government of the province and the government of Canada all want the same things, those things get built,” he said.
However, the motions planned for November 9 should not be confused with final funding approvals, construction agreements or confirmed project delivery timelines. Those matters will require further decisions and cooperation with other levels of government.
Property-tax freeze and government efficiency
Another significant proposal is a zero-per-cent property-tax increase for the entire four-year council term.
The mayor also wants Council to establish a Commission on Government Efficiency that would report within 100 days.
Other proposed commitments include an independent forensic audit of land dealings at City Hall and a 60-day residential building-permit guarantee.
The administration has also proposed offering free business licences for the first two years to every new business.
The financial and administrative details of these proposals will become clearer as Council considers the motions and subsequent implementation plans.
All 15 election commitments
The City says the following 15 commitments will be brought forward through motions at the first regular council meeting:
- Women’s and children’s hospital: Advance a new hospital in Newton on City-owned land, with municipal approvals fast-tracked.
- Property taxes: Freeze property taxes for four years.
- Public safety: Introduce a zero-tolerance approach to crime and extortion, with more officers on the streets.
- SkyTrain: Advance an extension along King George Boulevard to Newton.
- Global investment: Position Surrey as a global city, attracting international investment, businesses and tourism.
- Police technology: Establish a Surrey Police Service helicopter and drone fleet within 90 days.
- Swimming pools: Build new pools in Clayton Heights, City Centre, Newton and Cloverdale.
- Heritage protection: Pursue heritage designation for Crescent Beach and Ocean Park, from 140 Street west to the ocean, alongside proposed zoning and tree-protection measures.
- Recreation access: Provide free recreation for seniors, free swimming lessons for children aged three to 16, a four-year recreation-fee freeze and a commitment to return public pools to public ownership.
- Agriculture: Introduce a Farm Local Plan to protect farmland and increase local food production.
- City Hall accountability: Commission an independent forensic audit of land dealings at City Hall.
- Regional governance: Withdraw Surrey from the Metro Vancouver Regional Board while maintaining core services.
- Building permits: Introduce a 60-day residential building-permit guarantee.
- Small business: Provide free business licences for the first two years for every new business.
- Rosemary Heights: Purchase the Rosemary Heights Retreat Centre lands, stop the proposed residential development and permanently protect the property as a park.
These are campaign commitments being brought forward for Council consideration. Their adoption, funding, legal requirements and implementation remain matters for the municipal government to address.
Eight councillors join McCallum for new term
McCallum was sworn in alongside eight councillors.
The council members are:
- Deputy Mayor Mandeep Nagra
- Doug Elford
- Laurie Guerra
- Allison Patton
- Meera Gill
- Suhana Gill
- Cheney Cloke
- Harry Bains
The mayor said the City would work with the provincial government and the federal government to advance Surrey’s infrastructure and community priorities.
He also congratulated Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson and the incoming provincial government following the provincial election.
First regular council meeting set for November 9
Surrey’s first regular meeting of the new council is scheduled for Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Surrey City Hall.
Council meetings are open to the public and livestreamed through the City’s website.
The meeting will provide the first opportunity for residents to see how the new administration intends to translate its 15 campaign commitments into formal council motions and subsequent municipal decisions.
For residents, the key issues to watch will include the proposed property-tax freeze, the financial implications of major infrastructure projects, the hospital proposal, transit expansion and the proposed changes to municipal governance.
Source: City of Surrey news release, November 3, 2026; City of Surrey official inauguration and Council information.
Harnaik Singh Rathor is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of StudioX News Canada, Canada's multilingual digital news network serving multilingual diaspora communities across Canada. With a background in media production, public relations, and multicultural communications, he founded StudioX Film and TV Corporation to bridge the gap between mainstream Canadian media and the country's diverse immigrant communities. He is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), RTDNA Canada, CPRS Vancouver, NEPMCC, and the Canadian Freelance Union (Unifor). Based in Surrey, British Columbia. | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harnaiksinghrathor/ | Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/harnaiksinghrathor | Email: editor@studioxnews.ca
