Surrey Mayor Rejects $91M Police Budget, Threatens 18% Tax Hike

URGENT UPDATE: The mayor of Surrey, B.C., Brenda Locke, has just announced her staunch opposition to a proposed police budget that could result in an astonishing 18% property tax hike for residents. The controversial budget request, amounting to an unprecedented $91 million increase, is set to be reviewed by the city council following its release on Tuesday night.

Locke has labeled the budget request from the Surrey Police Board as “extraordinarily excessive,” arguing that the city’s taxpayers cannot shoulder such a significant financial burden. The provisional budget for the Surrey Police Service (SPS) totals over $331.5 million for 2026, a figure that has sparked heated debate amid rising concerns over public safety.

In her latest statement, Locke expressed her commitment to enhancing public safety by increasing police presence but emphasized that the proposed budget is unsustainable. “Surrey taxpayers want to see action to improve public safety, and we’re prepared to make those investments,” she stated. “But they also expect us to be prudent with public money and avoid significant tax hikes at a time when affordability remains a top priority.”

The Surrey Police Board responded by urging the mayor and council to reconsider the budget, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue to address community safety concerns. The board’s statement noted the importance of collaboration, especially given Locke’s recent call for an additional 150 police officers amid a surge in extortion cases affecting residents.

The backdrop to this contentious issue is the city’s recent transition from the RCMP to its own municipal police force, a move that has been fraught with challenges and public debate. Following a protracted struggle, the transition was officially completed on November 30, 2024, marking a significant moment in Canadian policing history.

Locke, who won the 2022 municipal election on a platform opposing the transition, has faced backlash from political opponents. Councilor Linda Annis, who is vying for the mayor’s seat in next year’s elections, accused Locke of hindering the police transition and playing politics with public safety. Annis claimed that delays in the transition have led to increased costs and urged for a more cooperative approach to the budget review process.

“This is simply playing politics and makes no sense,” Annis stated, pointing out that the SPS finished the year with a $25 million surplus. The police board called for a joint meeting to review the budget, aiming to find a solution that aligns with community priorities while avoiding a tax increase.

As the debate intensifies, the Surrey community watches closely, anxious about the implications for public safety and their wallets. With public safety and fiscal responsibility at stake, the city council is now tasked with a critical decision that could shape the future of policing in Surrey.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the Surrey City Council prepares to deliberate on the provisional police budget. The outcome will have significant consequences for the city’s taxpayers and the effectiveness of its new police force.