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- calendar_today November 13, 2026
Harry Bains: Surrey's Lone Independent Councillor
As the sole non-Safe Surrey Coalition member on Surrey city council, Harry Bains faces the challenge of being a one-person opposition. After being first elected in 2022 with Surrey Connect, Bains won the highest number of votes among council candidates in the recent civic election. However, the sweeping victory by Safe Surrey Coalition, led by Mayor Doug McCallum, left Bains as the only councillor outside the ruling party's supermajority.
Dismissing the 'Opposition Councillor' Label
Despite being characterized as Surrey's "opposition councillor," Bains is reluctant to embrace the label. He believes the term implies resistance for its own sake, rather than constructive input. Speaking on CBC’s The Early Edition, Bains remarked, "That's not what the residents of Surrey want. I think those types of politics don't work and haven't worked for a long time."
Swift Passage of Council Priorities
At the first regular meeting of the new council, the Safe Surrey Coalition introduced and passed 16 priority projects as a single omnibus motion— all within less than twenty minutes and with unanimous support from party members. Bains was the only councillor to object, requesting that projects be considered individually and raising concerns on several issues.
Key Areas of Opposition
Bains opposed the four-year property tax freeze, questioning how the city would balance its budget without increases. “I would love to see a zero per cent tax increase but the question remains, where is that money coming from? Which capital projects are being cancelled? Will roads continue to be built? Will there be any new additional levies?” Bains asked.
Another significant point of contention was the proposed plan to equip the Surrey Police Service with a helicopter and a fleet of drones within 90 days. Bains highlighted that such policing decisions fall under the purview of the Surrey Police Board, not city council. He also questioned the practical aspects: “We could buy [a helicopter] in 90 days, but do they have pilots? Is there a spot to land the helicopter? Is there a place to repair the helicopter? These are things that need to be taken into consideration before just buying a helicopter.”
Overview of Council's Passed Priorities
- Fast-tracked rezoning of land for a new hospital in Newton.
- Zero tolerance for crime and extortion with more officers on the streets.
- SkyTrain expansion to Newton.
- New swimming pools in Clayton Heights, Surrey Centre, Newton, and Cloverdale.
- Free recreation fees for seniors and swim lessons for children aged 3–16; four-year freeze on recreation fees.
- Independent forensic audit of the prior four years of land dealings, including projects at Parkland (152nd Street and 76th Avenue) and Tynehead.
- Withdrawal from the Metro Vancouver Regional District board and Metro Vancouver while maintaining only core services.
- Free two-year business licences for new businesses.
- Purchase of Rosemary Heights Retreat Centre lands for park protection.
- Aim to establish Surrey as a global city attracting major investment.
Concerns Over Funding and Implementation
Simon Fraser University planning instructor Andy Yan commented on the lack of clarity around the city's plans, particularly regarding funding. “While you can offer zero per cent tax increases for four years you still need a revenue stream to deal with not only new projects, but current ones and maintenance costs,” he said.
Bains's Commitment to Surrey
Despite often being outvoted, Bains remains committed to voicing his positions on council decisions. “We all have a common goal and that's to move the City of Surrey forward. But where I don't agree with them, I will make sure that my position is noted,” he stated. Bains’s continued presence as a critical voice highlights the challenges and responsibilities of a lone independent in a highly unified council.
About the Reporter
This article was reported by Karin Larsen for CBC News, with files from The Early Edition and Sohrab Sandhu.
Related coverage
Source: cbc.ca.
