Surrey council ends 4-year term on cordial note
Published 4:31 pm Monday, October 5, 2026
The current Surrey council held the final meeting of its four-year term with no debate or election stumping on Monday, October 5, but rather went around the table to thank city staff for the work they do.
A new Surrey council, to be elected on October 17, will have its inaugural meeting on Monday, November 2.
Mayor Brenda Locke began the meeting with a tribute to city manager Rob Costanzo, who has worked with city hall for 35 years.
He joined 1991 as engineering assistant with traffic operations.
“You were just a little baby boy then Rob,” Locke remarked.
Costanzo was 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 and through it all Rob has brought a real passion for public service and creative solution-oriented approach to his work,” Locke said. “He’s always looking for a way to get to yes.”
Later, Councillor Harry Bains thanked city staff “for all that you guys do for the city. 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. Your dedication, it’s been an honour to work alongside you guys.”
Councillor Rob Stutt echoed that. “The learning curve has been incredible but without your guidance and wisdom we couldn’t run this city.” Councillors Doug Elford, Mike Bose, Linda Annis, Mandeep Nagra and Gord Hepner also paid tribute to the staff.
“This group does a lot with a little,” Elford said. “You are top-shelf people way across.”
Bose said it’s been “an honour and a pleasure,” Annis said city staff have “been amazing in terms of helping us and keeping us focussed and keeping us informed,” and Nagra added “thank you for everything.”
Councillor Gordon Hepner also weighed in.
“I just wanted to say to all the staff, you’ve built this city, all those roads, all those parks, everything. Whether or not we’re sitting in these chairs next month or not, you guys have something pretty special to actually show and showcase,” Hepner said.
All nine members are seeking re-election.
Locke ended this council’s final meeting with an olive branch of sorts.
“I just have a quick message. As this is our final council meeting of this term with the election coming up I want to thank my council colleagues for the respect and decorum they have brought to these chambers over the past four years,” she told her fellow politicians. “We haven’t always agreed but we have remained focussed on the work before us and on serving the good people of Surrey. 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.”