Surrey families want more neighbourhood parks, pools, rinks and playing fields, not a 10,000-seat arena: Linda Annis
Surrey, B.C. (September 10, 2026): With demolition on the site of the mayor’s 10,000-seat arena starting today, Surrey First councillor and candidate for mayor Linda Annis says Surrey families need more neighbourhood parks, pools, rinks and playing fields instead.
“This project comes with more questions than answers,” said Annis. “There are questions about the price the city paid for the site, there are no details about the proposed lease with the Vancouver Giants, which typically get just 4,000 fans per game, and I expect the $360 million price tag will be closer to $600 million. Frankly, if the private sector really believed this was a great project, they would be stepping up to build it, operate it, and own it. Instead, taxpayers are on the hook. Meanwhile, on the doorstep, taxpayers and voters are telling me they want more neighbourhood facilities for their families and kids, not a 10,000-seat arena billed to Surrey taxpayers.”