Budget 2022 - Stability and Growth for Surrey

The proposed 2022 Budget has been prepared to reflect the uncertain times we are in with the COVID pandemic. For the fourth consecutive year, the proposed average property tax rate has been set at 2.9%. The budget has also been built for a post-pandemic future by delivering new major public amenities and services for residents of the fastest growing city in BC.

“Ensuring that the average property tax rate remains constant remains a priority for Council,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “By keeping the property tax rate the same for the fourth year in a row provides stability and certainty for our residents as we work our way through the evolving COVID pandemic. While Council has held the line on property taxes, we have also made sure that Surrey is prepared to thrive when COVID is behind us.  Major capital projects in the Five Year (2022–2026) Financial Plan are funded in this budget, including the fast tracking of a new Olympic size, 50-meter pool as the first component of the new Newton Community Centre.”

Below are the 9 new projects funded in the proposed 2022-2026 Capital Financial Budget:

1. Police Training Facility
2. Crescent Park Pickleball Courts
3. Bus Layover Facility
4. Park Improvements
5. Tamanawis Park – 3rd Field Hockey Turf and Changeroom
6. Fleetwood Firehall #6 Relocation
7. New Park Washrooms
8. Disc Golf at Port Mann Park
9. Future Sport Facility Site Development         

The new projects are in addition to the following 16 public infrastructure projects funded in last year’s budget.

1. Newton Community Centre & Land Acquisition
2. City Centre Sports Complex - Phase 1
3. Bear Creek Park Athletics Centre
4. South Surrey Athletic Park Track Replacement & New Artificial Turf Field
5. Newton Turf & Washroom/Changeroom
6. Artificial Turf Field Replacements at Five Locations
7. Indigenous Carving Centres
8. Newton Athletic Park Walking Track        
9. Sunnyside Reservoir Pickleball & Bike Park
10. New Park Washrooms
11. Biodiversity Preserve Park Improvements
12. Trail & Path Development
13. Crescent Park Studio/Building Renovation
14. Outdoor Volleyball Courts
15. New Park Shelters
16. Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex

“Many facets of this historic budget is a result of public input that has been conducted through the year,” adds Mayor McCallum. “The Surrey Police Board has done extensive public consultation for the implementation and prioritization of safety initiatives, which is reflected in the 2022 budget. Public consultation on major recreational projects has also been received that will result in significant new public amenities built into the upcoming budget. I want to thank City Staff for stepping up in meeting Council’s request in delivering a fiscally prudent and responsible budget before the holiday break.”

The operating budget for police related services, which include the RCMP and the Surrey Police Service, was at $184 million in the 2021 Budget. City staff regularly reviews this item as the transition progresses and has budgeted $194.8 million for police related services in the 2022 Budget, which includes the funding of the new salary increases for RCMP members.

The full Budget 2022 document can be viewed here.