SURREY First Councillor Linda Annis on Wednesday announced she will run for mayor of Surrey in the next municipal election, scheduled for October 17, 2026.

Annis, who is Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, was first elected to Surrey council in 2018, and re-elected in 2022, when she topped the polls.

“In just four short years, Surrey will be British Columbia’s biggest city, and we will be the first city in our province to top one million people,” said Annis. “I want to make sure we’re ready so that we can build the sort of future our city wants and deserves. It’s time to ignite Surrey’s potential and show our province and country what we can contribute and accomplish in the important years ahead.”

Annis said, while the municipal election is a year away, she wants to use the time to have serious conversations with Surrey voters about the future of their city.

Annis said she will begin announcing Surrey First council candidates in the weeks ahead.

Annis said her election priorities will be a results-driven “contract with the community” that includes:

• Completing the police transition and securing a new police training academy in Surrey for the Lower Mainland;

• A core review of every city program and expense, ensuring value for money, potential savings, and reduced red tape;

• Adding light rail transit that connects neighbourhoods, and complements the new Surrey-Langley SkyTrain line;

• Cutting wait times for building permits and building more affordable housing quicker, smarter, and with fewer city hall hurdles and costs;

• Creating a results-driven economic development plan that cuts red tape, earns Surrey an open-for-business reputation, and produces good local jobs that reduce commuting to work in neighbouring cities;

• Growing key industry sectors, including agriculture and food processing, manufacturing, transportation, logistics and supply chains, and Surrey’s construction expertise;

• Hiring an independent auditor general — like every big city in Canada — ensuring financial transparency, and making sure taxpayers get value for money from city hall programs and expenditures;

• Developing a 20-year plan for more neighbourhood parks, pools, rinks, and playing fields, with free admission for Surrey children and youth;

• Flexing Surrey’s growing political muscle to secure more transit, healthcare, and education infrastructure dollars from Victoria and Ottawa;

• Zero tolerance for Surrey’s 400 school portables;

• A community-driven master plan for Cloverdale Fairgrounds as a sports and entertainment hub;

• Developing a conference and performing arts centre;

• Creating more community engagement, including a public question period at the start of every council meeting; and

• Delivering more transparency from city hall and city council, with fewer in-camera meetings.

Annis said she would also introduce a municipal version of the mandate letters that the provincial and federal governments use to spell out direction to cabinet ministers.

Annis also wants to create an advisory panel made up of former Surrey mayors.

“Regardless of their political stripe, former Surrey mayors have some very unique experience,” said Annis. “I may not agree with some of their political perspectives, and they may not even be active in politics anymore, but they know a thing or two and hearing their perspective on important issues could certainly help us make better decisions for our city. I want to put their combined years of practical experience to work for Surrey. They are a valuable resource that I’d like to tap into.”

Annis said she also wants a city with a reputation for livability and creativity, where businesses are encouraged to create good jobs and a stronger local economy.

“We really need to ramp up our business and economic development department at City Hall,” said Annis. “As a major Canadian border city, we have a real opportunity to be more than just a bedroom community for other cities in the region. Economic development that creates good local jobs is a very real and urgent priority. These uncertain economic times mean we need to be focused and nimble when it comes to attracting and retaining businesses.”

Meanwhile, Annis says she wants families to move to Surrey because it is safe and affordable, with the right infrastructure, including schools, healthcare, and public amenities for local families and their children and grandchildren.

Annis said she will ensure Surrey MLAs and MPs know exactly what their city expects of them as they represent the city in Victoria and Ottawa.

Annis said if she is elected mayor, she will also be working to make major changes at Metro Vancouver, including reducing the size of the board, changing the governance model, eliminating meeting fees for board members, and carrying out an independent review and audit of the failed North Shore Wastewater Treatment project that is $3 billion over budget and years behind schedule.

Annis said she’s excited about Surrey’s future and its potential, and what it means to residents and taxpayers in every neighbourhood.

“The next municipal election will define our city’s future,” said Annis. “I’m excited about what our city can accomplish, because I really do believe that together, we can do better.”