Surrey, B.C. (December 5, 2025): Surrey First Councillor Linda Annis says the Canadian Taxpayers Federation’s https://www.taxpayer.com/newsroom/surrey-must-come-clean-on-new-arena-costs-taxpayers" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">concerns about Brenda Locke’s proposed 10,000-seat arena are genuine and are a heads up for local taxpayers.

 

Annis, Surrey First candidate for mayor, says local neighbourhoods need to be the city’s priority.

 

“Brenda Locke’s arena envy isn’t a good enough reason to put Surrey taxpayers on the hook, particularly when every neighbourhood in our city needs more parks, pools, rinks, and playing fields,” said Annis. “I hope the Canadian Taxpayers Federation will continue to press for transparency and accountability around this proposal from the mayor.”

 

Annis said the PNE’s 10,000-seat amphitheatre, which is now costing three times the original budget, is a cautionary example for Surrey taxpayers.

 

“I would be very careful about accepting any details or numbers from Brenda Locke at face value, and even more nervous if she is making our taxpayers pay for any part of her proposal,” explained Annis. “At the same time, I believe that any project and cost like this should be put in front of our taxpayers in a referendum. But I know from experience that the mayor will try and avoid that at all costs. She’d rather sideline Surrey residents, then surprise them with the bill.”

 

Annis said the new Newton community centre is costing more than $300 million, so she expects the mayor’s 10,000-seat arena to cost more than $600 million.