Surrey looking to create its own clinics to address shortage of family doctors

Surrey is launching an initiative to establish family doctor clinics in city-owned buildings to address its significant physician shortage. Mayor Brenda Locke noted that the city has fewer than half the family doctors compared to Vancouver, stressing the urgent need for action. The plan aims to eliminate financial hurdles for physicians by offering ready-to-use clinic spaces with covered costs. Locke targets summer 2026 for the opening of two clinics, in alignment with Simon Fraser University's new medical campus set to begin operations. Dr.

Charlene Lui of Doctors of BC supports the model, highlighting the administrative burdens doctors face that detract from patient care. Critics, including Coun. Linda Annis, fear the initiative may lead to hidden costs for taxpayers without guaranteed results. The funding sources for this plan remain unclear, with Locke indicating that the 2026 budget will provide more information. This initiative reflects broader healthcare pressures in rapidly growing suburban areas like Surrey.