Former Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum has officially announced his re-election bid for the mayoral position in the upcoming 2026 municipal election. The announcement came on a Monday, as McCallum expressed his commitment to the community through a news release, stating, “Surrey, I never stopped working for you.”
Campaign Launch and Vision for Surrey
McCallum, who will lead the Safe Surrey Coalition party, emphasized his vision of transforming Surrey into a “global city.” He compared Surrey’s potential to that of well-known cities like London and Rio de Janeiro. During his campaign launch, he pointed out Surrey’s unique qualities, including:
- Multicultural outlook
- Robust business center in Campbell Heights
- Strong agricultural base
Accomplishments During Tenure
During his previous terms as mayor, McCallum served from 1996 to 2002 and again from 2018 to 2022. He touted several achievements, including:
- Establishment of SkyTrain services to Clayton Heights
- Bringing the University of British Columbia (UBC) to Surrey
- Construction of Bear Creek Stadium
- Development of the 84th Avenue Road Connector
- Road widening initiatives to improve traffic flow
Notably, these projects were accomplished while maintaining historically low property tax rates.
Public Safety and Future Plans
Addressing public safety concerns, McCallum is promising a “zero tolerance policy on criminal and extortion activity.” His initiatives include:
- Increased policing resources
- A dedicated helicopter for the Surrey Police Service
- Extending the SkyTrain southwards to Newton
- Construction of a new swimming pool in Clayton Heights
- A commitment to a zero per cent property tax increase for four years
Controversies and Challenges
McCallum’s previous term was not without controversy. He faced a lawsuit after being accused of misleading police in September 2021 regarding a confrontation with a political opponent. Ultimately, he was found not guilty of public mischief in 2022.
As he prepares for the elections in October, McCallum anticipates competing against at least two notable opponents: the current mayor, Brenda Locke, and sitting councillor Linda Annis.
With his re-election bid officially announced, Doug McCallum aims to revive his influence in Surrey and forge a path toward progress and development in the city.
