Brian Edwards

The Regular Council meeting included multiple public hearing items focused primarily on land use and zoning amendments. Key discussions and actions involved the proposed zoning change for an auto mall at 13340 - 76 Avenue (Application No. 7925-0301-00). Several applications proceeded to bylaw adoption, including changes for subdivision and zoning amendments at 12738 - 60 Avenue, 7590 - 149A Street, and amendments concerning the Surrey Memorial Hospital expansion. One application (No. 7925-0089-00) concerning a proposed mixed-use building was referred back to staff for review of traffic, access, and parking. The Council also conducted rezoning business without a public hearing for applications related to apartment buildings and subdivisions. Additionally, corporate reports addressed the 2026 Budget Engagement Results, the award of contracts for road improvements (20 Avenue Overpass and Overlay Paving Program), design services for Fire Hall expansions, and licence agreements with Rogers Communications Canada Inc. and Fibre Connect for telecommunication infrastructure use of road allowances. Council endorsed the Long-Term Cycling Vision and Prioritization Framework.

The closed council meeting addressed actions related to a Code of Conduct Investigation concerning Councillor Annis. The Council decided to formally submit a complaint to the Ethics Commissioner regarding Councillor Annis's alleged breach of the Council Code of Conduct, specifically related to abusing her office and improperly using her influence concerning her communications with the Chief of Police regarding impaired-driving enforcement action. Furthermore, the Council formally requested that the Surrey Police Board investigate a potential breach of duty by the Chief of Police following his receipt of communications from Councillor Annis on the same matter.

The 2026 Five-Year (2026-2030) Financial Plan for the City of Surrey's self-funded utilities outlines recommended rate adjustments for Water, Sewer, Drainage, Solid Waste, Parking, and District Energy services. The plan details necessary increases to cover rising operating costs, capital demands, and Metro Vancouver rates, ensuring the financial sustainability and continued provision of these essential municipal services.

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda, which was amended to consider the 2025 Dhahan Youth Award Winners presentation first, and to add Council Initiative Fund Applications under Other Business. Key discussions involved an update on the Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force achievements and the proposal to establish it as an ongoing Committee of Council. The Public Hearing section addressed an application to amend the Official Community Plan and zoning for a property at 13216 - 104 Avenue to allow for a 24-storey residential building with 230 rental units, receiving both opposition (citing traffic concerns) and support (citing affordable housing provision). Mayor Locke provided numerous community updates, including concerns regarding extortion suspects claiming refugee status, successes with the Civic Plaza ice rink, and support for accessibility initiatives. The Council approved several corporate reports, including extending a pilot program to streamline pre-applications for development, awarding contracts for hired equipment procurement, sanitary siphon construction, and hazard tree removal services. Funding approvals were granted for various Council Initiatives Fund applications. Several rezoning bylaws were read and passed their third readings for various land use applications across the city.

The meeting included an adoption of an amended agenda, which removed an item regarding the Integrated Safety Ambassador Team and added an item concerning Community Safety Section Initiatives. Key discussions centered on the Surrey Outreach Program (SOT), which focuses on coordinated responses for at-risk individuals, providing connections to housing, mental health, and social assistance, noting an increase in the recorded count of unhoused persons. The committee also received a presentation on Community Safety Section Initiatives (CSSI), which supports youth resiliency projects through 14 distinct programs focusing on areas like individualized support and culturally sensitive services. Furthermore, discussions covered reports on extortion-related crimes in Surrey, the launch of Project Assurance by the Surrey Police Service to enhance community security, and the requirement for committee representatives to report findings to the Council.