2.6% property tax increase proposed for Surrey

24 February 2026

‘An affordable 2026 budget that invests for the future’

THE City of Surrey has released its proposed 2026-2030 General Operating and Capital budgets, outlining the City’s plan to affordably invest in core services, community priorities and infrastructure over the next five years.

Guided by the direction from Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and Surrey City Council, the budgets reflect the City’s strategic plans, the resources required to deliver City services, and feedback collected through Surrey’s recent budget engagement process.

“We’re committed to making Surrey one of the most affordable communities for families to live in all of B.C.,” said Locke on Tuesday. “With a modest 2.6% property tax increase, we will keep our property taxes among the lowest in all of the Metro region, while still making significant investments in public safety, roads, parks and facilities – and to build new major projects to serve our growing population and economy.”

For the average assessed single-family home, the proposed 2.6 % tax increase, if approved, would add $75 to the city portion of the annual property tax bill. This funding would cover general cost increases due to inflation; support the hiring of 20 additional firefighters and 10 additional bylaw officers; strengthen frontline policing and efforts to address the ongoing extortion crisis; and support investments in city-wide operations and infrastructure.

“Our priority has always been to keep Surrey safe while respecting taxpayers, and I’m pleased to consider a proposed budget that is meant to achieve both,” said Locke. “For 2026, $284.5 million is proposed for policing, including $44.4 million in new funding. This proposed budget supports the Surrey Police Service’s request to hire 189 additional officers, and it represents $84.2 million more than SPS actually spent in 2025. Council will have an opportunity to support a strong, responsible investment in public safety.”

The proposed 2026-2030 General Capital Program includes investments to maintain and enhance the City’s existing infrastructure while also delivering new amenities including arenas, parks, recreational facilities, and arts and culture spaces to help serve the City’s growing population and economy.

“Even in a tough economic climate, we’re continuing to build the infrastructure and services a growing community needs, while working hard to keep property taxes at an affordable level for residents. The proposed General Capital budget of $779 million over the next five years is meant to ensure Surrey has the infrastructure to create job-creating economic opportunities and meet the needs of residents in one of the fastest growing cities in B.C.,” said Locke.

Key investments in this year’s capital budget include transformative city-building projects including the 10,000-seat arena in City Centre, and the completion of the Centre Block development, which will house Simon Fraser University’s new School of Medicine. The budget also advances important economic development initiatives through the Surrey City Development Corporation supporting long-term job creation.

Significant improvements to public safety and community amenities include the relocation of the Fleetwood Fire Hall, expansion of the Chuck Baily Recreation Centre, and the development of new parks and outdoor amenities.

In addition, the proposed capital budget includes more than $358 million in road and transportation improvements over the next five years.

A public meeting of the Finance Committee will be held on March 9 to consider the 2026 budget. The public can provide comments in person at the Finance Committee meeting or through written submissions (email clerks@surrey.ca or fill out an online form). The deadline for written comments is 12 p.m. on Friday, March 6.

The 2026 General Operating and Capital Program Budget reports can be found at the following links:

Public feedback from this year’s budget engagement is also available on the Budget 2026 engagement page.