Brenda Locke Defends Record at Surrey Mayoral Debate

Incumbent Mayor Brenda Locke defended her first-term record during a mayoral debate on Wednesday night at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel. Hosted by the Surrey and White Rock Board of Trade and the South Asian Business Association, the event featured six candidates. Locke faced questioning from rivals regarding the termination of former Police Chief Norm Lipinski, the closure of Fraser Downs, and the development of a City Centre ice arena.

Locke cited $700 million in road improvements and an increase in housing stock as key achievements. When questioned by Mike Starchuk about partners for the proposed ice arena, Locke stated that disclosing private enterprise partners before both parties are ready would be "highly inappropriate for the city to do."

Former mayor Doug McCallum pledged to secure government funding for a SkyTrain line to Newton and a new hospital, while explicitly vowing that he will "never" sell city land. Other candidates, including Linda Annis and Honveer Singh Randhawa, challenged the administration on project funding and road congestion.

A Leger poll for Postmedia News currently places Locke in the lead with 24% support, followed by McCallum at 12%. However, 34% of voters remain undecided, and 64% of residents expressed a desire for change at city council.