Seven giant signs costing $35,000 each for city projects are blatantly political in an election year when tax dollars are scarce: Councillor Linda Annis
Surrey, B.C. (March 27, 2026): Surrey First Councillor and candidate for mayor Linda Annis says $250,000 in giant project signs feels “blatantly political” in an election year, and an unnecessary cost when tax dollars are tight and the police budget has been cut.
“Brenda Locke should pay for her own political signs, not have taxpayers foot the bill,” said Annis. “We’re talking about $35,000 per sign at public projects such as the Newton Community Centre, the 72 Avenue Extension, Centre Block at City Hall, and city’s affordable rental housing project on 126A Street. These are feel-good signs for the mayor that taxpayers are paying for. Tax dollars are scarce, the police budget has been cut, and families are on waiting lists for swimming and skating lessons, but the mayor seems to have plenty of money for political signs like these.”
Annis said the $250,000 spent on seven signs would have provided 3000 Surrey children with swimming lessons.
Annis added that if she is elected mayor in October there will be a top-to-bottom core review of every program and expense, and there will be no property tax increase for residents or businesses in 2027.
“Surrey taxpayers see the obvious politics in these signs, particularly during an election year,” added Annis. “Information signage, yes, but not these billboards-for-Brenda that are being paid for by our taxpayers.”