Surrey city released its proposed 2026-2030 general operating and capital budgets

February 24, 2026

RED FM News Desk

The City of Surrey has unveiled its proposed 2026–2030 General Operating and Capital budgets, centering on a plan to balance infrastructure growth with resident affordability. Guided by Mayor Brenda Locke and City Council, the five-year outlook focuses on core services, public safety, and a major expansion of city facilities to accommodate Surrey’s rapidly increasing population and economic footprint.

A key highlight of the proposal is a modest 2.6% property tax increase for 2026. If approved, the hike would add approximately $75 to the annual tax bill for an average assessed single-family home. Mayor Locke emphasized that the goal is to keep Surrey’s property taxes among the lowest in the Metro Vancouver region. The additional revenue is slated to cover inflationary costs and fund the hiring of 20 new firefighters and 10 additional bylaw officers to bolster municipal services.

Public safety remains a significant budgetary pillar, with $284.5 million proposed for policing in 2026—a $44.4 million increase over previous funding. The budget accommodates the Surrey Police Service’s (SPS) request to hire 189 additional officers as the city continues its policing transition. Mayor Locke noted that the proposed figure represents $84.2 million more than the SPS actually spent in 2025, describing it as a “strong, responsible investment” intended to address frontline needs and the region’s ongoing extortion crisis.

On the development front, the city has outlined a massive $779 million General Capital budget over the next five years. Major “city-building” projects are at the forefront, including a new 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 capital program also earmarks $358 million for road and transportation improvements through 2030 to ease congestion and improve connectivity.

Beyond major infrastructure, the budget focuses on community-level amenities and public safety facilities. Planned projects include the relocation of the Fleetwood Fire Hall, the expansion of the Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre, and the creation of various new parks and cultural spaces. Mayor Locke stated that despite a “tough economic climate,” the city is committed to building the necessary infrastructure to drive job creation and meet the needs of one of the fastest-growing cities in British Columbia.