Surrey backs two new clinics with Total Life Care. Supporters say it boosts doctor access, while critics warn of unfair competition and tax costs.
Surrey Moves Ahead With Clinic Partnership
Surrey city council has approved a new agreement to bring two medical clinics to the city this year. The plan, backed by Mayor Brenda Locke, is designed to tackle a serious shortage of family doctors.
However, not everyone is on board.
Councillor Linda Annis, who is also running for mayor, argues the deal puts City Hall in direct competition with private clinics already serving Surrey residents.
So, what’s really at stake?
Why Surrey Says It Must Act Now
Surrey’s population is nearly as large as Vancouver’s — and it’s still growing fast. Yet the city has just 59 family doctors for every 100,000 residents. That number falls well below other major metro areas.
As a result, many residents struggle to find a family physician. Meanwhile, local hospitals face mounting pressure.
Mayor Locke calls the agreement a practical step forward.
“This framework sets the foundation to bring new clinics online and increase primary care capacity,” she said in a city statement.
In short, supporters believe action cannot wait.
The $100,000 Question
Under the approved model, Surrey will lease space for each clinic at about $100,000 per year. In addition, the city will offer extended health benefits to eligible doctors, costing about $6,000 per physician annually.
On the other hand, the city will receive five percent of net clinic revenue. About $25,000 per clinic per year is expected to flow back to help offset costs.
City staff emphasized that financial risks are limited. Doctors will bill the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly, not the city. Therefore, Surrey will not shoulder physician salary risks.
By contrast, if the city ran clinics itself, compensation costs alone could climb to $4 million per year for a fully staffed site.
Clearly, council chose the lower-risk option.
Critics Warn of “Tilted Playing Field”
Still, Annis says the agreement gives Total Life Care Granville Medical Inc. an unfair edge.
She argues the city is providing free space and benefits, while existing clinics pay rent, property taxes, and staff benefits on their own.
“If there is a business case, let the operator run it without tax dollars,” she said.
Furthermore, she raised concerns about competition for doctors, who are already in short supply.
From her perspective, taxpayers should question whether public funds should support one provider over others.
Supporters Say It’s a Smart Investment
Meanwhile, several councillors defended the plan.
Councillor Mandeep Nagra called the cost “a small amount” that taxpayers can afford. He stressed it will not create a major tax burden.
Councillor Pardeep Kooner even suggested developers could offer office space, potentially lowering leasing costs further.
Supporters argue that even modest improvements in doctor access could ease hospital strain and improve long-term health outcomes.
What Happens Next?
The agreement sets the stage for two clinics to open this year. Council has also expressed a long-term goal of launching up to 10 clinics.
Lease agreements will return to council for final approval once locations are confirmed.
For now, Surrey is taking a direct role in expanding primary care access — though not without political friction.
