CONSERVATIVE Surrey mayoral candidate Honveer Singh Randhawa says Surrey homeowners need a City Hall that helps them fix problems, not one that punishes families already struggling through an affordability crisis.
Randhawa announced on Friday that, when elected as mayor, he will introduce a Compassionate Compliance Plan focused on helping homeowners bring their properties into compliance through guidance, safety checks, faster permits, fair treatment, and the forgiveness of outstanding fines and penalties for residents who work with the City to address safety hazards and compliance concerns.
“City Hall’s job should be to help residents navigate tough times, not crush them with fines when they are already struggling,” said Randhawa. “Families are dealing with rising property taxes, utility bills, insurance costs, and the overall cost of living. A compassionate city government should work with people, not against them.”
Randhawa said many Surrey homeowners are not trying to break the rules. Some purchased homes without knowing there were unauthorized suites or additions. Others made changes to their homes without fully understanding the permit process. Many families created secondary suites because they were trying to survive financially in one of the most expensive regions in Canada.
“There is a major difference between dangerous, reckless violations and ordinary homeowners who made a mistake or inherited a problem they did not create,” Randhawa said. “A fair City Hall must know the difference that the current City Hall lacked during their entire term.”
Randhawa emphasized that public safety, fire safety, structural safety, and proper compliance must remain priorities. However, he said the City’s approach should begin with guidance and cooperation, not immediate punishment.
“Compliance matters. Safety matters. But compassion matters too,” said Randhawa. “We can protect safety without treating every homeowner like a criminal.”
Under Randhawa’s Compassionate Compliance Plan, a future Conservative Party of Surrey administration would move forward with:
• Forgiveness of outstanding excessive fines and penalties for homeowners who work with the City to address safety hazards.
• A dedicated homeowner assistance team at City Hall to guide residents step-by-step through permits, inspections, fire safety requirements, and legalization processes.
• Faster permit processing and coordinated inspections focused on fixing issues instead of dragging families through delays.
• A practical safety-first approach focused on fire safety, electrical safety, structural safety, and occupancy concerns.
• Partnerships with Surrey-based licensed contractors, electricians, plumbers, engineers, and fire safety professionals to help residents complete required work quickly and affordably.
• A clear distinction between serious unsafe violations and homeowners who made honest mistakes or inherited non-compliant work from prior owners.
Randhawa said excessive fines and penalties have placed unfair pressure on families during an affordability crisis.
“Homeowners should not be gouged just to increase City revenue,” he said. “When someone is willing to cooperate, fix the problem, and meet safety standards, the City should help them get there. It should not bury them in penalties first.”
Randhawa said his plan would also support Surrey’s local economy by encouraging homeowners to hire Surrey-based trades and contractors for required upgrades.
“When Surrey homeowners hire Surrey contractors, Surrey electricians, Surrey plumbers, and Surrey tradespeople, that money stays in our community,” he said. “We can improve safety, support local jobs, and help families at the same time.”
Randhawa said, “Not every homeowner deserves to be treated like a bad actor. Many are simply trying to keep up with bills, support their families, and do the right thing.” He said Surrey needs a mayor who understands both compliance and compassion.
“As a lawyer, I understand the importance of rules, safety, and accountability,” he said. “But I also understand fairness, proportionality, and common sense. City Hall exists to serve residents, not make their lives harder.”
Randhawa said his administration would replace fear-based enforcement with a practical roadmap for residents. “We will help residents navigate the system. We will guide them every step of the way. We will focus on safety, compliance, and practical solutions instead of fear, confusion, and financial punishment,” he added.
Randhawa asserted: “Surrey families deserve respect. They deserve fairness. And they deserve a City Hall that understands what real people are going through.”
