2.6 Percent Tax Increase Proposed as Major Investments Roll Out
Surrey has introduced its proposed 2026–2030 General Operating and Capital Budget, outlining a five year plan aimed at balancing affordability with major investments in policing, infrastructure, and community facilities.
Mayor Brenda Locke says the proposed 2.6 percent property tax increase would keep Surrey among the lowest taxed cities in Metro Vancouver while continuing to expand core services. For the average single family home, that increase would add about 75 dollars annually to the city portion of the tax bill.
Public Safety Receives Largest Share
A total of 284.5 million dollars is proposed for policing in 2026, including 44.4 million dollars in new funding. The budget would support the Surrey Police Service request to hire 189 additional officers.
Funding also includes hiring 20 new firefighters and 10 bylaw officers, along with strengthened efforts to address ongoing extortion concerns impacting the community.
779 Million Dollar Capital Plan Over Five Years
The proposed General Capital Program outlines 779 million dollars in spending through 2030. Major projects include a new 10,000 seat arena in City Centre and the completion of Centre Block, which will house Simon Fraser University’s new School of Medicine.
Additional projects include
• Relocation of the Fleetwood Fire Hall
• Expansion of Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre
• New parks and outdoor amenities
• More than 358 million dollars in road and transportation upgrades
Economic development initiatives through the Surrey City Development Corporation are also part of the long term growth strategy.
Public Input Invited
A Finance Committee meeting to review the proposed budget is scheduled for March 9, 2026. Residents can submit written comments until noon on March 6 or attend in person to provide feedback.
City officials say the plan is designed to maintain affordability while preparing one of British Columbia’s fastest growing cities for long term population and economic growth.
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