Surrey mayoral candidate Troy Van Vliet pledges a four-year freeze on municipal tax increases

Troy Van Vliet is a builder, business owner and philanthropist, as well as a husband and father. He is running for mayor of Surrey, promising practical, accountable leadership at City Hall. His three priorities are safer neighbourhoods and action on extortion; coordinated planning for housing, schools and infrastructure; and frozen taxes with greater accountability at City Hall.

Van Vliet says he would pursue a four-year freeze on general municipal tax increases and commission an independent review of city spending and controls. He would publish budgets in plain language, publicly track major projects and look for savings before asking families to pay more. Surrey must plan for growth and fund essential services, he says, while residents deserve to know where their money goes and what results it delivers.

Asked about crime and safety, Van Vliet called public safety a fundamental responsibility of government. If elected, he says he would ensure Surrey Police has the resources needed to aggressively target extortion, gangs and organized crime, while demanding accountability and measurable results. Because extortion crosses municipal and international boundaries, he says, Surrey must strengthen cooperation with provincial and federal law enforcement and immigration authorities. He also wants stronger relationships with communities being targeted so victims feel safe coming forward. Police resources, he says, should reflect operational needs and evidence, not politics. Surrey families deserve to feel safe in their homes, businesses and neighbourhoods.

On affordability, Van Vliet says families make difficult financial choices every day and City Hall must do the same. He is committed to a four-year freeze on city property-tax increases while protecting essential services through better priorities and greater efficiency. He also proposes making housing more attainable by reducing unnecessary permitting delays and costs, increasing housing choices, and exploring programs such as rent-to-own partnerships to help families move from renting to home ownership. Growth should make Surrey stronger and more affordable, he says, rather than serve as an excuse for higher taxes.

Van Vliet says he has spent decades building in Surrey and would bring that practical experience to safer neighbourhoods, responsible growth and respect for taxpayers. Voters can learn more at surreynow.ca, by emailing info@surreynow.ca, or on Facebook and Instagram at SurreyNow.