Surrey, B.C. – Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has issued a strong statement criticizing the BC Budget 2025, saying that once again, Surrey has been overlooked with no new projects announced for the province’s fastest-growing city.
“Our residents deserve equitable support from the provincial government to build a brighter future for all who call Surrey home,” said Mayor Locke. “Yet time and again, we see clear evidence that Surrey is not receiving its fair share of funding and resources for transportation, education, healthcare, and social infrastructure. This continued neglect is both frustrating and unfair—not to mention damaging to our families.”
The mayor pointed out severe gaps in healthcare infrastructure, noting that Surrey Memorial Hospital remains under intense strain while other communities see hospital rooms shutting down, further burdening the system. She highlighted that despite Surrey nearly matching Vancouver’s population, the city has 300% fewer hospital beds. The new Cloverdale hospital, which lacks maternity and children’s wards, fails to address these pressing needs.
Mayor Locke also emphasized the dire situation in Surrey’s education system, where nearly 400 portables are being used to accommodate students due to overcrowding. The Surrey School District faces a $16 million shortfall, despite already making deep cuts. The budget includes only one new high school in Fleetwood, far short of the 10 new schools and 14 site acquisitions needed to meet student demand.
Surrey’s transit challenges were also called out in the statement, with the mayor noting that the city has the most overcrowded bus routes in the region. While 90% of Vancouver residents have access to frequent transit service, only 27% of Surrey residents do. The ongoing SkyTrain expansion is a welcome project, but with completion not expected until 2030, it addresses only a small portion of the city’s transit needs.
The new U.S. tariffs, which took effect today, add economic uncertainty, making it even more important for the provincial government to invest wisely, the mayor stressed. “It is not about spending more; it is about making the right investments,” she said, urging strategic spending to strengthen the local economy and ensure long-term stability for residents.
With Surrey on track to become the first city in B.C. to reach a population of one million, Mayor Locke emphasized that the province must start laying the groundwork now by investing in critical infrastructure, affordable housing, and accessible public services.
“The provincial government must start recognizing and prioritizing Surrey’s needs,” she said. “Rest assured, we will continue to fight for our rightful share to build a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous future for all Surrey residents.”
Note from the editor: Big US social media companies are hurting local media. Support local media and grow your business. Call 604-617-2252 to advertise with ‘Surrey News’.