Surrey sets aside $200M for a 10,000-seat indoor arena, hotel, retail, and entertainment hub in City Centre, aiming to boost downtown growth.
Surrey Commits $200 Million to Major Arena Project
The City of Surrey is making a bold move to shape its entertainment landscape. In its latest five-year capital plan, the municipality announced it will contribute nearly $200 million toward a new 10,000-seat indoor arena in Surrey City Centre. This marks the first time the City has revealed its public funding for the highly anticipated project.
This figure only covers the City’s portion. Private partners and other contributors may add more, helping to bring the ambitious plan to life.
A Downtown Game-Changer
Mayor Brenda Locke sees the arena as a catalyst for downtown growth. Once completed, the venue would become B.C.’s third-largest indoor arena, trailing only Vancouver’s Rogers Arena and Pacific Coliseum.
The arena is set to anchor a new entertainment district in the heart of Surrey City Centre. But the project isn’t just about sports. Plans include a hotel, conference and meeting spaces, restaurants, retail outlets, and residential units, creating a lively, mixed-use hub for residents and visitors alike.
Bidding Process and Project Timeline
Earlier this year, the City launched a bidding process to select a private developer, operator, and sports tenants for the arena and surrounding mixed-use spaces. The proposed site is currently home to the BC Lions’ training facility, just south of Gateway SkyTrain Station.
By March 3, 2026, a shortlist of proponents will be finalized, moving them to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage. RFP submissions are due by May 22, 2026, with the contract expected to be awarded in August. Construction is targeted to begin in 2027, with detailed plans to follow once a developer is selected.
Funding Breakdown
The City’s funding schedule spreads $200 million over five years: $20 million in 2026, $45 million each year from 2027 to 2029, and $43 million in 2030. Additional revenue from tenant leases, naming rights, and commercial agreements is expected to support both construction and long-term operations.
Surrey’s Biggest Investment
The arena tops Surrey’s 2026-2030 capital plan as the municipality’s most expensive project. The second-largest is the Centre Block office and academic complex at City Parkway, which will include Simon Fraser University’s new medical school. The City will contribute roughly $152 million, while the provincial government and SFU cover the remaining $520 million.
The Centre Block project will offer office, retail, and academic space, as well as community gathering areas and child-care facilities. Construction begins in late 2026, with completion expected by the second half of 2030.
Supporting City Growth
Surrey’s broader 2026-2030 capital plan totals $779 million, funding both new developments and maintenance of existing infrastructure. To support these projects, the City proposes a modest 2.6% property tax increase, among the lowest in Metro Vancouver.
The funds will also bolster public safety, including 20 new firefighters, 10 additional bylaw officers, and 189 new police officers for the Surrey Police Service, whose budget will rise to approximately $285 million.
Future of Sports in Surrey
Beyond the arena, Surrey is actively pursuing Canada Soccer to build a National Training Centre for elite athletes. The proposed site would require over 40 acres to accommodate indoor and outdoor fields, training facilities, and a small stadium, further solidifying Surrey’s growing reputation as a hub for sports and entertainment.
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