Surrey mayoral candidate Igal Ammons II outlines priorities for youth, affordability and safety

Igal Ammons II describes himself as a family counsellor, author, educator, inventor and innovator. He says he is passionate about making meaningful, positive changes in people’s lives. His experience across Canada, the United States, Africa and Europe, he says, has given him insight into the varied needs of communities. He says his life’s work is focused on practical solutions that uplift families, empower youth, support rehabilitated homeless people, and honour veterans and seniors.

Ammons’ three priorities are to create meaningful job opportunities, accessible education pathways and safe environments for young people; support rehabilitated homeless people and uplift the city; and lower the cost of living, implement responsible tax policies, improve safety and encourage economic development that benefits all six neighbourhoods without favouritism. He says the priorities are interconnected and require a comprehensive, integrated strategy. His aim is to build sustainable solutions that open pathways to success, promote community safety and make Surrey more affordable for everyone. He says progress in one area can fuel growth in others and pledges to work for positive, lasting change in every neighbourhood.

Asked about the extortion crisis, gang violence and other public safety concerns, Ammons said that, as mayor, he would not focus on crime all day. Instead, he would prioritize family and community outreach programs, particularly to improve young people’s futures. He said he would work with parents, schools, churches and community groups on targeted strategies to counter division and distortion, and improve unified neighbourhood recreation and entertainment centres. He proposed outdoor family entertainment from sunrise to sunset, as well as 24-hour indoor activities with soundproof booths and layers of safety for all-night events.

On affordability, Ammons said he would advocate for more affordable housing initiatives, support policies to control rent increases and attract sustainable investment to keep living costs manageable for Surrey residents. He added that, with God’s help, ensuring the benefits of economic growth reach residents would be his unwavering guiding principle.

Ammons said residents should vote for him because he brings a proven record of transparent leadership, pragmatic solutions and real results. He pledged to listen, act and deliver tangible improvements, and said he would offer no empty promises or political spin. His vision is a vibrant Surrey where every resident, young or old, working hard or facing challenges, has a clear path to a better future.

He said voters can learn more through direct conversations at town halls, community events or local cafés. He is eager, he said, to listen, ask probing questions, learn, answer difficult questions and discuss solutions that matter to local people. He pledged to serve with honesty and integrity and to make Surrey an example for other cities and nations. The council candidates running with him are Leanna Chatwin, Ian deHoog, Messia Ditshimba, Chris Hoffman, Emily Kennedy, Matthew Smed, Lily Tsi and Grace Ziegler.