Surrey, B.C. (June 3, 2025): Surrey First Councillor Linda Annis says she expects Brenda Locke's proposed 10,000-seat arena to cost more than $600 million, with no anchor tenant in sight.

 

"I'm not sure who is asking for the arena, other than Brenda Locke," said Annis. "The fact is, we're about to build a terrific new multi-use community centre in Newton for more than $300 million, so it's not unreasonable to say a 10,000-seat arena will cost more than twice that. Frankly, our city needs more neighbourhood parks, pools, rinks and playing fields instead. At the same time, we have Surrey kids on wait lists for recreation programs like swimming and skating, and every sport in the city is in need of more neighbourhood facilities just to keep up with our growth.”

 

Annis said spending more than $600 million on an arena makes absolutely no sense when there are so many local needs right across the city.

 

“The arena looks and feels like a vanity project, when what we really need are more neighbourhood facilities,” added Annis. “Right now, every field, rink, pool and community centre in our city is busy every single day. The mayor’s arena envy is not a good enough reason to spend this kind of money on something no one is asking for, particularly when our local neighbourhoods have immediate recreation needs.”

 

Annis also said she would like to see a 20-year plan for more recreation and sport facilities across the city.

 

"Investing in neighbourhood community centres and local rinks, pools, and playing fields makes good sense, and goes a long way to putting Surrey families first," noted Annis. "I'd also like to see our facilities free to Surrey kids 18 and under, something I campaigned on during the last election. The sooner we get our children involved in healthy local sport and cultural activities, the less likely they are to drift towards gangs. As executive director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, I know firsthand that keeping kids active is one of the very best ways to keep them busy and out of the reach of gangs."

 

Annis said she is always doubtful about political announcements that have no details, budget or timelines.

 

“When it comes to this 10,000-seat arena, there is no plan, no tenant, and no money,” explained Annis. “Even more, no one is asking for it, which speaks volumes about the reality of this project. Frankly, I'd put Brenda Locke's arena in the political promises and ego column, which as every voter and taxpayer knows, should be taken with a big grain of salt."