Mayor Brenda Locke Leads Unanimous Surrey Council Vote Demanding Public Inquiry into Metro Vancouver

SURREY, BC — Surrey City Council voted unanimously to pass a motion introduced by Mayor Brenda Locke calling on the British Columbia Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the Inspector of Municipalities to initiate a comprehensive public inquiry into the governance, financial transparency, and capital budgeting of the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD).

Regional Financial Transparency and Cost-Sharing Disputes

Mayor Locke stated that Surrey taxpayers contribute tens of millions annually toward regional wastewater and infrastructure megaprojects—such as the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant—without adequate board proportional representation or timely access to financial audits. The council resolution formally challenges regional development cost charge (DCC) hikes and demands independent forensic oversight of MVRD administrative expenditures.

Mayor Locke emphasized that as B.C.’s fastest-growing city rapidly approaching a population of 700,000, Surrey must receive transparent accounting for every regional tax dollar collected from local residents.

Inter-Municipal Solidarity and Council Reaction

Mayors from Langley Township and Delta voiced support for Surrey's call for governance accountability, noting that suburban municipalities carry disproportionate financial burdens under the current regional voting structure.

Surrey councillors across all political parties endorsed the motion to ensure municipal infrastructure priorities take precedence.

Ministerial Review Process

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs acknowledged receipt of the resolution and confirmed that the Inspector of Municipalities will assess the formal request for audit.