Hi there!

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you spend some time musing through the information on this site - it’s here for you to learn about me and my campaign.

I’m running for council because I believe Surrey could be so much more than it currently is. I believe we can dramatically improve the quality of life in this city through the policy of sustainability. And the first step towards that goal is a rethinking of development.

As we grow from a former suburb into the second major city in the Lower Mainland, it’s important that growth is sustainable - growth that benefits the city and it’s residents as whole.

At the moment, Surrey staff have been managing development as fast as they can - but I believe we could a whole lot better - all we need is the inspiration to achieve our very best possible. The plans, policies, and partnerships will follow. One needn’t look any further than Copenhagen, Curitiba, or Freiburg to see how innovative cities have skyrocketed onto the world stage with novel approaches to city building - while at the same time, dramatically improved the quality of life of all it’s citizens. I see absolutely no reason why Surrey cannot join that list.

It all depends on what type of city you want!

We have a prime opportunity to shape Surrey in the next decade - before it gets built out to it’s many geographical borders. Let’s leverage this opportunity to save the important features that define Surrey, from farm lands and old growth forests to heritage buildings and transportation corridors such as the former Interurban rail line. Then let’s manage growth and development in a way that provides the city more of what it’s citizens want: rec centres, cultural facilities, bike paths, improved transit, various housing options - places to go, things to do, people to see.

It’s all possible, if we just have the courage and conviction to dream the city we ultimately want to live, work, and play in.

I hope you’ll join me for the ride and imagine what Surrey could be.

- Paul Hillsdon