Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke is pushing to accelerate the city's involvement in healthcare as medical clinics prepare to open in city-owned buildings later this year. Locke, who entered the healthcare arena last year by announcing plans for 10 new clinics, now seeks to fast-track permit approvals for these facilities and establish a health advisory panel composed of medical professionals.
Expediting Permits for Faster Access
Locke's motions, set to be discussed at Monday's council meeting, would direct city staff to prioritize medical care permits for quicker approval. The mayor emphasized that Surrey continues to face serious healthcare access challenges, including primary care, emergency care, mental health and addictions, seniors' care, and culturally responsive services.
Health Advisory Panel Proposal
Instead of appointing a single healthcare administrator, Locke proposes a broader panel of experts. The panel would include professionals in primary care, mental health, addictions, public health, seniors' care, Indigenous health, patient advocacy, and health-systems policy. Non-voting representatives from Fraser Health and the Ministry of Health would also be invited to provide non-binding advice on actions and partnership opportunities.
“The city needs to continue to work in collaboration with health care providers to establish additional medical and health care facilities across the city as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Locke stated in her notices of motion.
Upcoming Clinics and Costs
Two clinics operated by Total Life Care Granville Medical Inc. are slated to open this fall: one at 10362 King George Blvd. in central Surrey and another at 12757 76 Ave. in Newton. Each clinic is expected to accommodate 10 physicians. The city aims to open a total of 10 clinics on city-owned land or in city buildings, with an estimated cost of $100,000 per clinic per year to taxpayers. Under the agreement with Total Life, Surrey would receive five percent of net revenue from each clinic annually to offset costs.
Criticism and Challenges
Locke has faced criticism from opposition Coun. Linda Annis, who argues the mayor is letting the B.C. government off the hook for its healthcare responsibilities to Surrey residents. Despite this, Locke maintains that the city must take proactive steps to address the growing demand for primary services driven by significant population growth.
The city previously considered appointing a healthcare administrator, but Locke believes a broader panel of experts would be a stronger resource. If approved, the city will begin searching for panel members and continue collaborating with healthcare providers to establish additional facilities quickly.
