Dan B. Carlos puts safety, recreation and accountability at center of Surrey council bid

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 12, 2026

Photo Courtesy: City of Surrey

SURREY, British Columbia — After three decades of community-facing work in Surrey, Dan B. Carlos is seeking a seat on City Council with a campaign focused on neighbourhood safety, accessible recreation and greater transparency in local government.

Carlos is running for councillor with the Conservative Party of Surrey in the October 17, 2026 municipal election. The City of Surrey officially lists him as a Conservative candidate for council.

A Filipino-Canadian who has called Surrey home for 30 years, Carlos has built much of his community involvement around faith, mentorship, outreach and working directly with residents from different cultural backgrounds.

His campaign biography says he has worked as a licensed driving instructor for three decades, while also serving in outreach and support roles. He completed a Mental Health Course at Douglas College and continues to preach, mentor and lead small groups through churches and community gatherings. 

Carlos says those experiences have shaped an approach centered on listening to residents and connecting people across different backgrounds.

Safety and visible policing

Public safety is one of Carlos’ three leading campaign priorities.

He is calling for fully funded policing with a visible presence in Surrey neighbourhoods, arguing that residents should feel safe walking to schools, parks, businesses and other community spaces.

In his candidate response, Carlos said he would support full police funding and advocate for more officers visible on streets, in parks and near schools.

That priority is also reflected in the Conservative Party of Surrey’s broader platform. Its Safer Streets Action Plan proposes neighbourhood safety reviews focused on pedestrian crossings, lighting, school routes and public spaces, with progress updates intended to show residents which concerns have been addressed.

The party platform also proposes stronger support for businesses facing extortion and quicker responses to dangerous drug activity in public spaces, alongside connections to treatment and recovery services. 

Recreation access for families

Carlos has also identified accessible recreation centres for Surrey families as a major priority.

His campaign places recreation within a broader “Families First” approach that seeks to improve access to city programs for children, families and seniors. The Conservative platform also calls for more attainable, age-friendly housing options for seniors who want to remain in Surrey. 

The focus reflects Carlos’ campaign message that municipal services should be accessible to residents across Surrey’s diverse communities, regardless of cultural or economic background.

Transparency for families and City Hall

Carlos’ third stated priority is advocating for greater transparency around educational materials.

Because public-school curriculum is under the authority of the school district and provincial government rather than Surrey City Council, the Conservative platform says its municipal role would focus on transparency in City-run programs and facilities, while advocating with Surrey Schools and the province on matters outside council jurisdiction. 

Transparency also extends to municipal spending in Carlos’ campaign.

The party’s proposed Open Books City Hall Plan calls for clearer public reporting on major spending, contracts and project progress so residents can more easily track where municipal money is going and whether projects are meeting their targets. 

Other commitments include a Business Property Tax Plan, a proposed Home Protection Fund, free installation of residential water meters under a Water Bill Plan, a Compassionate Compliance Plan for residents trying to resolve municipal compliance issues, and expanded public washroom access in areas used by seniors, families and transit riders. 

Three decades of community connections

Carlos’ entry into municipal politics follows years of working one-on-one with Surrey residents through driving instruction, outreach, faith-based activities and community gatherings.

His campaign describes three principles he wants to carry into City Hall: bringing people together, listening before deciding and reporting back to residents. 

While his Filipino roots remain an important part of his community involvement, Carlos’ campaign emphasizes building relationships across Surrey’s many cultural groups and directing municipal programs toward families and residents throughout the city.

Surrey voters will elect one mayor, eight councillors and six school trustees on Oct. 17, with advance voting on October 7, 10, 14 and 15.