Mayor Brenda Locke and Surrey City Council file a petition for judicial review challenging the provincial government directive on policing.
Choseno Civic News Desk
Provincial and municipal political affairs reporting
SURREY, B.C. — Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke announced that the City of Surrey has filed a petition in B.C. Supreme Court seeking a judicial review of the provincial government's order mandating the continuation of the Surrey Police Service transition.
The legal action sparked intense debate across Metro Vancouver over municipal autonomy, local tax burdens, and policing jurisdiction.
Mayor Locke argued that the province's directive overrules the democratic mandate of Surrey voters and City Council, asserting that keeping the RCMP would save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars over the coming decade.
"This petition is about defending the democratic choice of Surrey residents and protecting our taxpayers from unnecessary financial burdens," Locke announced at Surrey City Hall. "We believe the province has exceeded its authority by attempting to force this transition on our community."
The legal petition drew varied reactions from council members and community associations, with debate centering on legal expenses and the timeline for resolving front-line policing oversight.