Surrey Councillor Doug Elford wants city council to expand from nine to 11 members.
It currently has eight councillors and a mayor. Elford presented a notice of motion on May 12 asking for council to direct city staff to provide a corporate report "on the implications of an expansion of city council from eight members to 10, plus the mayor."
Elford warranted his request by noting Surrey is on its way to becoming the most populated city in B.C., is at a "pivotal moment" in growth, its population is diversifying, its neighbourhoods are expanding, "and the needs of our constituents are more varied and complex than ever before."
"Council needs to address our capacity to deal with urgent issues including border policies, transportation, housing, public safety, infrastructure, economic development," he told council. Elford noted the Community Charter under Section 118 (2) allows for the expansion of city council "by two members through city bylaws without provincial government approval."
This will likely be voted on at council's May 26 meeting.
