Surrey residents identified transportation infrastructure and public safety as top priorities for investment in a recent city consultation
Public Consultation Reveals Surrey Residents’ Investment Priorities
Recent public consultation work by the City of Surrey shows that residents agree on future public investment areas. Transportation infrastructure and public safety are the top priorities.
| Priority Area | Percentage of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Transportation Infrastructure | 60% |
| Public Safety and Emergency Services | 55% |
| Recreation Programs and Facilities | 38% |
| Engineering Infrastructure | 30% |
According to the results, 60 percent of respondents identified transportation infrastructure as the most important area for increased investment. This includes the maintenance of roads, sidewalks, paths, and trails.
Close behind, 55 percent of respondents prioritized public safety and emergency services. This issue has been significant for Surrey for decades. It recently included the transition to the municipally-controlled Surrey Police Service (SPS). There are calls for the municipal government to fund more police officers to meet Surrey’s growing population and challenges.
In December 2025, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke suggested that the requested policing budget for 2026 by SPS would require an 18 percent property tax hike for one year. Opposition city councillors disputed this claim.
Quality-of-life amenities also received attention. Recreation programs and facilities were chosen by 38 percent of respondents. They requested improved walking paths, playground equipment, wharfs, boardwalks, covered picnic shelters, sports courts, and outdoor sports fields.
For arts and culture, the top priority is to have more special events and activities in the community.
Engineering infrastructure, including utilities and foundational systems like water, sewer, and stormwater management, was identified as a priority by 30 percent of participants. While this ranked lower, respondents noted that these investments are critical for long-term community resilience and growth.
The City conducted this public consultation to finalize the City’s 2026 operating budget and 2026-2030 five-year financial plan early this year.
Although these responsibilities are not under the City’s jurisdiction, residents also want more public transit, especially rapid transit. They also want new purpose-built schools to keep up with rapid enrollment growth and improved hospitals.
There is general concern that Surrey’s rapid population growth is not matched by an increase in programs, services, infrastructure, and community facilities.
Most participants want to maintain current City programs and service levels. Just over 60 percent support maintenance, while 35 percent favor service expansion. However, public comments revealed concern about rising property taxes, user fees, and the overall cost of living.
Many residents support funding future services through a mix of moderate property tax increases and user fees, rather than relying only on property taxes.
