Surrey council's final meeting is a tribute to city staff, new council takes office November 2

Surrey's current council held its final meeting on Monday, October 5, and rather than debate or campaign talk, the nine members spent the afternoon thanking city staff for their work.

Mayor Brenda Locke began by paying tribute to city manager Rob Costanzo, who has worked with city hall for 35 years, joining in 1991 as an engineering assistant with traffic operations before being appointed city manager in 2023. "It's a remarkable career and one that has unfolded alongside decades of growth and change in the city of Surrey," Locke said. "Through it all Rob has brought a real passion for public service and creative solution-oriented approach to his work. He's always looking for a way to get to yes."

Councillor Harry Bains told staff, "It's an honour and a privilege to be sitting at this table." Councillor Pardeep Kooner called the term "an amazing four years and it's all because of the staff here at the City of Surrey." Councillor Rob Stutt said the learning curve had been steep but "without your guidance and wisdom we couldn't run this city." Councillors Doug Elford, Mike Bose, Linda Annis, Mandeep Nagra, and Gordon Hepner also praised staff contributions. Elford noted, "This group does a lot with a little. You are top-shelf people way across."

Locke ended the meeting with an olive branch to her colleagues. "We haven't always agreed but we have remained focussed on the work before us and on serving the good people of Surrey," she said. "Some of us may return to these seats and some of us may not, but I want to wish each of my colleagues well in the weeks ahead."

All nine council members are seeking re-election. Surrey voters will choose a new mayor, eight councillors, and six school trustees on October 17. The newly elected council will hold its inaugural meeting on Monday, November 2.