Councillor Doug Elford Tables Motion to Expand Surrey City Council from 9 to 11 Members

SURREY, BC — Surrey City Councillor Doug Elford (Safe Surrey Coalition) introduced a governance motion before Surrey City Council directing staff to examine expanding the size of council from nine members (mayor and eight councillors) to 11 members.

Electoral Proportionality and Demographic Growth

Councillor Elford pointed out that while Vancouver has 11 members representing approximately 675,000 residents, Surrey’s eight councillors represent a rapidly expanding population exceeding 680,000 across massive geographic areas including Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Guildford, Newton, and South Surrey. Expanding council size would reduce caseloads per councillor and enhance direct constituent representation.

Councillor Elford underscored that Surrey's explosive growth necessitates modernizing democratic structures that have remained unchanged since 1993.

Council Vote and Reform Debate

Mayor Brenda Locke and Surrey Connect members opposed the expansion, citing municipal operating costs and arguing that council efficiency remains strong with the current roster.

Civic governance experts supported the proposal, pointing to municipal best practices in major metropolitan jurisdictions.

Governance Review Roadmap

Council expansion remains an active debate heading into the October 2026 municipal election.