Surrey, B.C. - Iain Black Announces “Big Surrey Vision” as City Poised to Become B.C.’s Largest Municipality
Plan focuses on public safety, transportation, healthcare capacity, and economic development in the South Fraser region
BC Conservative leadership candidate Iain Black today outlined a plan to deliver the infrastructure, public safety, healthcare capacity, and economic investment needed to support Surrey’s rapid growth as it moves toward becoming the largest city in British Columbia.
“Surrey is on track to become the largest city in British Columbia within the next decade, and provincial planning needs to keep pace with that growth,” said Black. “If we want Surrey to reach its full potential, we need to ensure the public safety resources, infrastructure, and healthcare capacity are there to support it.”
Surrey has been one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada for years, and Black said that growth presents a major opportunity for the province if it is matched by the right investments.
Cracking Down on Organized Extortion
Black addressed growing concerns about organized extortion targeting local businesses.
As a starting point, Black noted the need to learn from places where organized crime and extortion have been successfully curtailed. “There are other models and policing techniques that B.C. needs to implement. We need to stay ahead of these criminals.”
A Black government would establish a dedicated provincial task force working with both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Surrey Police Service to dismantle extortion networks.
The plan would also expand provincial policing resources and work with the Government of Canada to ensure non-citizens involved in organized extortion face deportation.
“Entrepreneurs who build businesses in Surrey should be able to do so without fear,” said Black. “Extortion and intimidation have no place in British Columbia.”
Black elaborated on his plan, including instituting more high-definition cameras and drones to keep an eye on crime as it is developing, as well as expanding the provincial police force. “We will need to train more police and get them on the front line, even as we put more eyes in the sky.”
Addressing Transportation Bottlenecks in the South Fraser Region
Black said modern transportation infrastructure is critical to supporting both Surrey’s growth and the broader South Fraser economy.
A Black government would move forward with building a ten-lane bridge to replace the George Massey Tunnel – this tunnel project is growing in cost with every passing day. “We need to improve the movement of people and goods between Surrey, Delta, and the rest of the Lower Mainland to get our economy back on track.”
Black also committed to ensuring the Surrey–Langley SkyTrain extension is delivered on schedule while beginning planning for future rapid transit expansion deeper into Surrey.
In addition, Black said Surrey residents need stronger transit connections within the city itself. A Black government would work with TransLink and the City of Surrey to expand frequent bus service and develop rapid bus corridors linking communities such as Newton, Guildford, Fleetwood, and South Surrey.
“A growing city needs a transportation system that connects its neighbourhoods and gives people real options to get to work, school, and services,” said Black.
Strengthening Healthcare Capacity and Building Schools South of the Fraser
Black said Surrey’s healthcare and education systems are under enormous pressure as population growth continues to outpace capacity in the region.
Facilities such as Surrey Memorial Hospital are among the busiest in Canada, highlighting the need for expanded healthcare infrastructure.
Black said the new hospital planned for Cloverdale must include maternity services—something the current government failed to include in its original design.
“Building a hospital in the fastest-growing city in the province without a maternity ward is not planning for the future,” said Black. “It’s planning for failure.”
Black also noted the enormous challenge faced by the Surrey school district, which some have noted is home to the largest number of portables in the country. “We need to get to building more schools and we will discuss that at a future date. But for now, I am committing to ensuring that the cost of building and moving portables will not be borne by the local school district.”
Building Surrey into a Major Economic Engine
Black said Surrey has the potential to become one of Canada’s most important economic centres.
A Black government would launch a Surrey Economic Growth Strategy focused on attracting major employers and creating high-paying jobs in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology, and energy.
The strategy would include establishing a major economic development zone along the Highway 1 corridor and strengthening partnerships with institutions such as BCIT and Simon Fraser University to support workforce development and innovation in Surrey City Centre.
“Surrey should not simply be a place where people live and commute elsewhere for work,” said Black. “It should be a place where people can build careers, launch companies, and grow businesses.”
Connecting Surrey’s Growth with the Fraser Valley Agricultural Economy
Black said Surrey’s growth also creates an opportunity to strengthen the Fraser Valley’s agricultural economy.
A Black government would work with farmers and industry leaders to expand food processing, agri-technology, and distribution capacity in and around Surrey—supporting value-added agriculture while connecting Fraser Valley farms to domestic and international markets.
“Surrey sits at the gateway to one of the most productive farming regions in the country,” said Black. “Its growth should help power the next generation of agricultural innovation and food production in British Columbia.”