Can a new political team change the direction of Surrey this election

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 11, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Ashiyana Hanif

With Surrey heading into a closely watched municipal election, a new civic slate is asking voters whether the city is ready for a different kind of leadership at City Hall.

Imagine Surrey, led by mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk, is campaigning on five key promises, safer streets, faster commutes, smart investments, lower costs and stronger services.

Starchuk, a former Surrey firefighter, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, city councillor and MLA, is presenting his frontline public service experience as a central part of his campaign. The slate says it wants to move City Hall away from political infighting and toward more visible results for residents.

The campaign is also putting public safety and transportation high on its agenda, while promising greater financial discipline and improvements to everyday services. Imagine Surrey says its full costed platform will be released later in September.

The October 17 election will see Surrey voters choose a mayor and eight city councillors, with several established political groups and newer slates competing for City Hall. Public safety, affordability, traffic congestion and the city’s policing transition are among the major issues shaping the campaign.

For Starchuk and Imagine Surrey, the election is being framed as a choice between the city’s established political players and a new team promising a more results driven approach.

With election day approaching, the bigger question for Surrey voters may be whether those promises can translate into changes they can actually see on their streets, in their commutes and in their household costs.