* A Call to Action for BC Political Parties-
Surrey, BC – As the fastest-growing city in British Columbia, Surrey has been left behind on critical infrastructure and services for far too long. Today, I am proud to announce a “To-Do List” for Surrey that outlines the projects and investments that must be prioritized by any political party hoping to earn the support of Surrey residents in the upcoming provincial election.
These are the needs of the people of Surrey, and I am calling on both the BC NDP and BC Conservatives to pledge and make a commitment during the election campaign to deliver on these essential projects:
1. SkyTrain Extension to Newton: A vital transit expansion to connect Newton and relieve the pressure on our current transportation infrastructure.
2. Third Brand New Hospital: A fully funded hospital, designed and ready to be built within three years to meet the healthcare needs of our rapidly growing population.
3. 16th Avenue Widening: A critical upgrade to four lanes from Surrey to Abbotsford, improving regional transportation, enhancing safety for commuters, and building truck parking locations along the route.
4. Remove all school portables and build Two New Multi-Storied Schools Per Year for Five Years: With overcrowding and portables at record levels, we need two new schools built every year for the next five years to ensure our children receive the education they deserve and remove all school portables in Surrey.
5. Streamlining Healthcare: Eliminate regional health districts to cut bureaucracy and improve efficiency, ensuring more funding is allocated directly to patient care.
6. 60,000-Seat Multi-Sports Stadium in Fleetwood: A world-class facility, funded through a partnership between the city, the provincial government, and the federal government, with land provided by the city near the new SkyTrain station.
7. Two New ICBC Offices: Surrey residents need faster and more efficient access to services, and two new ICBC offices will provide this.
8. Build 6 Lanes for Pattullo Bridge: Replacing the current 4-lane bridge with another 4- lane bridge will not resolve the traffic congestion and increasing travel times. We need a 6-lane bridge to keep pace with the region’s growth and future-proof our transportation infrastructure.
9. Two New Community Centres with Pools: Surrey’s growing population needs more community spaces. Building two new community centers with pools will provide recreational services for families and help promote a healthier, more connected
community.
10. Affordable Housing for Young Families: The cost of housing in Surrey has skyrocketed, pushing young families out of the market. We need affordable housing solutions to ensure Surrey remains a livable city for future generations.
“These are not just wish-list items; they are essential projects that will shape Surrey’s future and address the critical needs of our residents,” said McCallum. “I am calling on each party to pledge to deliver these projects during the election campaign. Surrey residents deserve leaders who will step up and take action.”
McCallum continued, “The people of Surrey have been treated as second-class citizens for far too long. Whether it’s healthcare, education, or infrastructure, we’ve been consistently underfunded. This ‘To-Do List’ for Surrey is not just about catching up; it’s about building the future our residents deserve. It’s time to start fixing from the foundations.” McCallum is urging all political candidates to publicly commit to delivering these projects for Surrey.
