Surrey kicks off 2026 budget consultation to show residents where tax dollars go and gather public input on priorities and city services.
Surrey Invites Residents to Shape 2026 Budget
Surrey is giving residents an early peek into next year’s city budget, aiming to make tax dollars more transparent and public feedback more impactful. The city wants locals to understand exactly where their money goes—and how it affects the services they rely on every day.
“Getting feedback from the community is crucial,” said Coun. Pardeep Kooner. “We want to know where you want your tax dollars spent, so everyone should participate.”
What Residents Said Last Year
Community feedback leading up to the 2025 budget revealed clear priorities. Transportation, public safety, parks, housing, homelessness, and affordability topped the list. Residents also voiced concerns about rising taxes and wanted more clarity on how their property tax was being used. And notably, online surveys were a popular way to give input.
How the 2026 Consultation Works
For 2026, Surrey City Hall is stepping up its public engagement. The city plans to:
- Explain how city budgets work
- Show where tax dollars are spent
- Gather inclusive input from residents and businesses
- Demonstrate how public feedback informs council decisions
Residents can share their thoughts through online surveys, six open houses across town, and digital and multilingual outreach efforts.
Understanding Your Taxes
Most property taxes collected by Surrey go to provincial and regional authorities. In 2025, about 63% of property taxes supported schools, TransLink, Metro Vancouver, BC Assessment, and Surrey Police Service. The remaining 37% stays with the city to fund essential services like:
- Fire and police services
- Roads and traffic safety
- Parks, recreation, and cultural programs
- City infrastructure projects
“This breakdown helps residents see exactly how their taxes support their community,” explained Joey Brar, Surrey’s corporate services general manager, alongside Kam Grewal, general manager of finance.
Attend a 2026 Budget Open House
Surrey is hosting six open houses from November 4 to 19 to collect public input:
- Guildford Recreation Centre & Library: Nov 4, 3–5 p.m.
- City Hall & City Centre Library: Nov 6, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Fleetwood Community Centre & Library: Nov 8, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Clayton Community Centre & Library: Nov 12, 3–5 p.m.
- South Surrey Recreation Centre: Nov 15, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Newton Recreation Centre & Library: Nov 19, 3–5 p.m.
This is your chance to influence how Surrey invests in services that matter most to the community.
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