SURREY Mayor Brenda Locke delivered her 2025 State of the City Address on Wednesday, highlighting Surrey’s remarkable growth, as well as the City’s ambitious plans and unwavering commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive community.
With Surrey poised to be the first city in B.C. to reach a population of one million people, the Mayor celebrated the city’s evolution into a regional powerhouse, unveiled major initiatives, and outlined a bold course for Surrey’s future.
“Surrey’s future shines bright, driven by bold ideas and continuous progress. Building on the resilient spirit of our community, we are investing in world-class facilities such as a 10,000-seat arena in City Centre, expanding our transportation and rapid transit network, leading innovation in healthcare and advancing a comprehensive Surrey 2050 growth strategy,” said Locke.
“As our city enters a new era, our vision is for a community where opportunity, diversity, and innovation flourish side by side—a city where everyone matters. Together, we are building a Surrey that is vibrant, inclusive, and ready to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Key Highlights of the 2025 State of the City Address included:
- Construction of a new 10,000-seat arena: A new facility in City Centre will transform Surrey’s entertainment and recreation landscape. This arena will serve as a cornerstone for a new entertainment district, attracting major sporting events, concerts, and community gatherings. It will be a destination with mixed-use development including a hotel, conference facilities, retail, and restaurants. This project will create a lively, walkable downtown core, foster local economic growth, and become a hub where families and residents can enjoy world-class entertainment in the heart of Surrey. This is one of many projects planned throughout the city. Visit surrey.ca/capital projects to learn about other Capital Projects in Surrey, such as the $310M Newton Community Centre.
- The creation of a new Surrey Healthcare Administrator role: Recognizing the urgent need to improve healthcare access and address inequity, the City will establish this new role. This individual will serve as a champion for innovative health initiatives, working closely with Fraser Health, SFU, community organizations, and first responders to identify gaps and develop tailored solutions. The Administrator will coordinate efforts to streamline services, foster collaboration among partners, and promote preventative care strategies, such as exploring models involving the city employing or contracting family physicians to help alleviate Surrey’s healthcare crisis.
- Surrey 2050 Plan Launch: In response to regional plans that overlook Surrey’s rapid growth, the City will develop its own Surrey 2050 strategy. This comprehensive growth plan will set targets for housing, employment, transit, green spaces, and community development, ensuring Surrey’s aspirations are prioritized and integrated regionally.
- A $66 million expansion of Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre and the new $310 million Newton Community Centre complete with fitness centre, swimming pool, and a 45,000 square foot library.
- Completion of the $132 million Cloverdale Sport and Ice Complex, as well as the revitalization of the Cloverdale Fairgrounds and Town Centre.
- Major Transportation Investments: Breaking ground this month on Surrey’s largest road project: the 72 Avenue east-west corridor, alongside the construction of the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain and planned King George Bus Rapid Transit line.
- Housing Acceleration: A record 6,297 new homes approved in 2024, announcement of the Gateway project that will bring 1,800 new housing units to the City’s downtown core, and new policies permitting secondary suites in townhouses near transit to boost family-friendly, affordable options.
- Fiscal Responsibility: A 2025 budget that holds the general property tax increase to 2.8 percent plus a 1 percent road levy – one of the lowest in the region – while adding 25 police officers, 20 firefighters and 10 by-law officers.
“We are proving that a city can grow fast and still stay affordable,” the Mayor added. “By negotiating $250 million from the Province for policing costs, prioritizing public safety, and keeping taxes low, we’re showing Surrey families that sound fiscal stewardship and visionary investment go hand in hand.”
Locke closed with a call for continued partnership and civility. “Surrey’s spirit is built on kindness, hard work and innovation,” she said. “Together we’re not just talking about the future—we’re building it.”
