Surrey is considering utility rate increases for 2026. Here’s how higher water, sewer, waste, and energy fees could affect residents.
Wallets May Feel the Pinch Again in Surrey
Surrey residents may soon need to budget a little more. Once again, city staff are recommending higher utility rates, and if approved, the changes would take effect in 2026. While the increases vary by service, the overall message is clear: costs are going up, and households will feel it.
Water and Sewer Rates Take the Lead
Water rates are set to rise the most. City staff are advising a 5.3 percent increase for water utilities next year. As a result, the average metered single-family household would pay about $25.52 more per year. Meanwhile, commercial customers could see an increase of roughly $141.80, and non-metered residential users would pay about $56.72 more.
Sewer rates are also expected to climb. Under the proposal, metered single-family homes would pay an extra $10.14 annually. At the same time, commercial users would face a $56.32 increase, while non-metered residential customers would pay about $22.53 more.
According to city staff, these hikes are needed because Metro Vancouver has raised its own water and sewer rates and plans further increases in the years ahead.
Drainage, Flood Protection, and Property Impacts
In addition, Surrey is looking at a 1.5 percent increase to its drainage, dyking, and flood protection parcel tax. Residential and agricultural properties would pay about $250.71, up slightly from $247. Commercial and industrial properties would see their rate rise to $613.06 from $604.
Although the increase may seem modest, it adds another layer to the growing list of costs for property owners.
Garbage, Recycling, and Organics Costs Rise
Solid waste services are also under review. A proposed 1.2 percent increase would affect thousands of households across the city. For example, single-family and multi-family homes would pay $344.08, up from $340. Secondary suites would see rates rise to $172.04, while apartment and townhouse recycling and organics would increase slightly as well.
City staff point to higher tipping fees charged by Metro Vancouver as the main reason. Those fees are expected to keep rising in the coming years, which means pressure on local rates is unlikely to ease soon.
District Energy and Parking Fees Under Review
Surrey’s district energy customers could face one of the steepest increases. A 6.4 percent hike is proposed, largely because FortisBC is charging more for natural gas. These systems supply heat to downtown residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
Meanwhile, parking fees are also being examined. Meter rates may change based on demand and time of day, as the city reviews parking costs each year to keep pricing fair and consistent.
Public Hearing and Next Steps
As required by provincial law, Surrey must prepare a five-year financial plan every year. A public hearing on the draft plan is scheduled for Monday, January 26, at 2:30 p.m. at city hall. Residents can attend in person, watch online, or sign up to speak either at the meeting or by email.
After the hearing, the finance committee may forward the recommendations to council for a final vote later that same day.
A Familiar Pattern for Residents
For many in Surrey, annual utility increases have become expected. Just like in recent years, rising regional costs continue to flow down to local bills. Now, residents will have a chance to weigh in before council decides whether these proposed increases become reality.
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