The union representing Surrey police officers expresses deep concerns over the city’s proposed 2026 policing budget, which totals $284.5 million—nearly $47 million below the original request of $331.5 million. This shortfall comes as the city grapples with a surge in extortion cases and the ongoing expansion of the Surrey Police Service (SPS).
Budget Agreement and Union Backlash
The City of Surrey and the Surrey Police Board announced a joint agreement on Thursday for the $284.5 million budget, now awaiting city council approval. Ryan Buhrig, president of the Surrey Police Union, labels the reduction “reckless.”
“You cannot demand more policing, more visibility, and more capacity, while simultaneously gutting the resources needed to deliver it,” Buhrig stated.
Police Expansion Amid Rising Crime
The SPS assumed policing duties from the RCMP in November 2024, starting in Whalley/City Centre and Newton, and recently expanding to South Surrey. The force plans to take over Cloverdale on April 1, with full transition expected by 2027.
Surrey remains a hotspot for extortion, with the first cases emerging in November 2023. As of February 16, police report 53 extortions, 11 related shootings, and two arsons this year alone. Multiple agencies and government levels collaborate to combat the rising crime wave.
Mayor’s Defense and Funding Details
The original $331.5 million request represented a $91.3 million increase from the 2025 budget of $240.1 million, deemed necessary for effective policing. Mayor Brenda Locke previously rejected it as “extraordinarily excessive,” warning of an 18 percent property tax hike.
Harley Chappell, chair of the Surrey Police Board, highlights that the revised budget delivers an $85 million increase over 2025 spending levels. “It became clear that SPS would have the same amount it needs to grow as planned in an adjusted budget,” Chappell explained.
Locke reinforces this during a Thursday press conference: “We’re still increasing that budget by over $85 million.” She confirms funding for exactly 189 officers as requested and anticipates dialogue with the union to address their concerns.
