City needs a core review of every expenditure and program, not another tax increase: Linda Annis
Surrey, B.C. (March 6, 2026): Surrey First councillor and candidate for mayor Linda Annis says Brenda Locke’s tax increases have cost the average Surrey family another $1500 over her term, with more costs on the way. Under Locke, property taxes grew by 26 per cent, water rates grew by 24 per cent, and sewer rates increased by more than 70 per cent.
“Property taxes, road and traffic levies, and the parcel tax are all controlled by the city, while water, sewer and solid waste are primarily Metro Vancouver, where Brenda Locke voted in support of their budget and the extra costs that were directed at Surrey residents.”
Annis said tax increases are always the “easy way out” for city council, instead of being disciplined and looking for efficiencies and savings.
“Brenda Locke is treating Surrey taxpayers like ATMs,” noted Annis. “People are struggling and there is only one taxpayer. Whether it’s a tax from the city, or a Metro Vancouver tax that is supported by Brenda Locke, it falls to local taxpayers to pay the bill. You only have to look at your tax notice and compare it to last year to see that property taxes are just one part of the overall cost. It all boils down to respect for taxpayers, and that means a thorough and transparent core review of every city expenditure, program and regulation, to ensure we’re spending on the priorities that make life better for our residents.”
Annis said if she is elected mayor in October there will be an immediate core review and no city tax increases in 2027.
“On a city budget of $2 billion, finding five per cent in savings and efficiencies is very realistic,” explained Annis. “And my message to Metro will be the same. Metro Vancouver is out of control, mismanaged, and costing families all over the region. We’re all going to be paying off Metro’s $3 billion wastewater treatment fiasco for decades.”
Annis aid Metro Vancouver “has to be reined in” and made to focus on water and sewage, their two core services.
“Meanwhile, if Brenda Locke and the rest of the Metro Board stopped paying themselves to attend meetings, we’d save $5 million over the next term,” added Annis. “It would save money and send an important signal that taxpayers matter.”