Surrey (BC) (Rajeev Sharma): Surrey First mayoral candidate Linda Annis has welcomed the BC Conservatives’ support for replacing the Massey Tunnel with a bridge and establishing a Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Surrey, arguing that the city needs major infrastructure investments to keep pace with its growing population.
In a statement issued on October 15, Annis described the bridge proposal as positive news for Surrey commuters and said the long-delayed transportation project should move forward as quickly as possible. She also said support for a dedicated women’s and children’s hospital reflected the growing demand for provincial health services in the city.
Annis urged Surrey’s next mayor and council to work closely with elected representatives at both the provincial and federal levels, describing her proposed approach as “Team Surrey”.
Why Is Linda Annis Backing A Bridge To Replace The Massey Tunnel?
The Massey Tunnel, which connects communities along Highway 99 south of Vancouver, has long been a focus of debate over regional transportation infrastructure.
Annis said there was strong local support for replacing the existing tunnel with a bridge and argued that delays had cost the region valuable time and money. She criticised the previous provincial government’s decision to cancel an earlier bridge replacement project, saying the work could have been completed by now had the plan continued.
“The key is getting this long-overdue transportation project completed as quickly as possible,” Annis said, according to the statement.
The BC Conservatives’ stated support for a bridge has therefore drawn a positive response from the Surrey First mayoral candidate. However, her comments represent her assessment of the project and its history; the future timeline and delivery arrangements will depend on decisions by the relevant provincial authorities.
Why Is Surrey Seeking A Women’s And Children’s Hospital?
Annis also welcomed the BC Conservatives’ support for a Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Surrey, pointing to the city’s population growth and the pressure on public infrastructure.
She argued that Surrey needs expanded healthcare capacity alongside improvements in transit, schools and other essential services. According to Annis, the city’s growth makes additional provincial investment increasingly important.
The proposed hospital would address a specific area of healthcare infrastructure, although the statement did not provide a confirmed construction timeline, budget or implementation plan.
Annis said Surrey’s elected representatives should work together to press the provincial government for infrastructure that reflects the city’s changing needs.
What Does Annis Mean By A ‘Team Surrey’ Approach?
Annis said that, if elected mayor, she would establish regular meetings with Surrey’s Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs).
Her proposal is intended to create a coordinated approach to securing investment and ensuring that the city’s priorities are represented in Victoria and Ottawa. She argued that municipal leaders should maintain regular contact with provincial and federal representatives rather than address infrastructure demands separately.
“Our MLAs and MPs need to know that their city and its residents are counting on them when they head off to Ottawa and Victoria,” Annis said.
She also argued that Surrey’s growing population and political importance should translate into stronger advocacy for local projects.
Surrey’s Infrastructure Needs Ahead Of The Municipal Election
The bridge proposal and the proposed hospital form part of a broader debate over how Surrey should accommodate its continued growth.
Transportation links, healthcare facilities, public transit and schools are among the infrastructure areas highlighted by Annis. Her statement calls for greater cooperation between municipal, provincial and federal representatives to move projects forward.
The announcement signals support from the Surrey First mayoral candidate for the BC Conservatives’ positions on the bridge and hospital. It does not, by itself, establish that either project has received final approval or a confirmed delivery schedule.
The next steps will depend on the relevant government decisions, funding commitments and project planning processes.
