Barbara Steele has been a councillor for Surrey since 1998 and has helped shape the positive future of the city. She raised her three children in Surrey, and has called it her home for 32 years. Recently, Barbara moved from Guildford to the heart of the Whalley City Centre, just walking distance from City Hall.
An important part of Barbara’s vision reflects on the past. Surrey’s strong historic roots are its foundation, and have helped earn its reputation as a place of opportunity. She spends a great deal of time analyzing lessons learned in order to best help plan the successes of the future. By doing so, she believes in the city’s ability to take care of all residents, especially those who have played a significant role in the transformation of Surrey into the thriving epicenter that it is today.
Barbara is a strong believer in ensuring Surrey’s voice is heard regionally and provincially. She is proud of her work with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) where she served as President in 2011. During that year, she was actively involved in the RCMP negotiations and sat as a member of the Joint Committee for Election Reform with UBCM and the provincial government. Barbara also represents Surrey on the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors and has been appointed to the Board of the Pacific Parklands Foundation as well as the Fraser Basin Council. She serves as the local government representative at the Katzie Treaty Negotiating Table.
Barbara played a significant role in the initiation of the Surrey Crime Prevention Strategy, where she also chaired the Public Safety Committee meetings. Stemming from this strategy has been her determination to make sure that seniors’ rights are recognized: she has worked tirelessly to help seniors deal with elder abuse and neglect and has been instrumental in gathering community stakeholders and resources to ensure the safety and well-being of our rapidly growing aging population.
Barbara is very proud to be a member of City Council and Surrey First. She knows this city is a leader in the region, the province and the country.