Surrey, BC – The City of Surrey’s 2025-2029 General Operating and Capital Budgets are now available for public review, outlining financial plans to support infrastructure growth while keeping tax increases among the lowest in the Metro Vancouver region.
Mayor Brenda Locke emphasized the City’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, announcing a modest 2.8% general property tax increase—significantly lower than last year’s hike.
“In these challenging economic times with U.S. tariffs looming, our Council has worked hard to keep tax rates low while ensuring we meet the essential needs of our growing community,” said Mayor Locke.
Budget Highlights:
• 2.8% General Property Tax increase (~$77 for an average single-family home) to support:
• Hiring of 20 new Fire Services and 10 new bylaw officers
• Funding for 25 new police positions
• General City operations
• 1% Roads and Traffic Levy (~$27 per average single-family home)
• $701 million Capital Plan—the largest in Surrey’s history
• $446 million investment in capital road works to enhance city-wide transportation
Major Infrastructure Projects
The budget supports 36 capital projects, including:
• A 10,000-seat Sports and Entertainment Arena
• An Interactive Art Museum – part of the Surrey City Centre Entertainment District
• A new Newton Community Centre
• An Ash-Scattering Pier on the Fraser River
Mayor Locke credited the City’s financial prudence for securing up to $250 million in provincial funding to help offset policing costs, preventing what she called a “massive tax hike” tied to the Surrey Police Service transition.
“Our Council remains committed to making sound financial decisions that put residents first,” she added.
A public Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2025, at 1 PM, where residents can provide input before final budget approval.