Imagine Surrey Vows to Prioritize Public Safety and Transparency at Diverse Community Gathering
Jafar Bhamji
7-17-2026
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SURREY, B.C. — Surrey’s Muslim and wider multicultural communities gathered on Friday, July 10, for an Imagine Surrey campaign event that positioned public safety, housing affordability, and civic transparency at the heart of the upcoming October 17 municipal election. Organized by council candidate and community activist Ashiyana Hanif, the event drew representatives from the Pashtun, Fijian, and Sikh communities to hear from mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk and his slate.
A Call for Community Voice
Hanif, who hosted the event, framed her candidacy as a response to years of the community feeling overlooked at City Hall. "I am running because of public safety concerns," she told attendees, pointing to the rise in violent crime. Hanif challenged the status quo, asking the crowd, "Why is the voice of our community never heard?". She introduced Starchuk as a leader who understands emergency response through 32 years as a firefighter and will be "visible, accountable, and present" rather than "hide in a six-story office".
"Flipping the Table" on Extortion
In his keynote address, Mike Starchuk identified public safety as his top priority, pledging to reverse a $47-million cut to the police budget made under the current administration. He spoke directly to the fears of local business owners and families regarding rising crime.
"The people that fear the extortion, we are going to flip that table,"Starchuk declared, promising to work with public safety experts to combat gang violence and extortion. He further committed to accelerating the transition to an independent municipal police force while ensuring law enforcement has the necessary tools and funding.
Transparency and Senior Support
Beyond safety, Starchuk vowed that the days of "behind closed doors" land transactions are over. "Those days are done," he said, promising that all major rezoning and land-swap decisions would be debated in open forums.
The platform also includes:
*Housing: A "concierge-style" service for builders to cut permit approval times by up to a year.
*Seniors: Free city recreation programs for those over 70 and 50% fee reductions for residents aged 60 to 70.
A Diverse Slate for a Diverse City
Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal attended to praise Surrey’s multicultural character and Starchuk’s record of service. Council candidates Perminder Chohan, William Li, Margaret Mubanda and Yousef Barkat Aldabainah also shared their visions. Chohan pledged greater accountability for taxpayer dollars, while Li focused on creating a transparent city for the next generation.
Closing the event, Yousef Barkat Aldabainah thanked the residents for their support and urged the community to take action on October 17. "Make your voices heard," he told the crowd, "by electing the Imagine Surrey team".
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