a long line loading a bus

Surrey Council Identifies Priorities Ahead of Next Provincial Budget

During the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Mayor Brenda Locke asked staff to prepare a report identifying how to advance plans to create Bus Rapid Transit in Surrey in the next three years.

June 9, 2023
Media Release

Surrey, B.C. – During the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Mayor Brenda Locke asked staff to prepare a report identifying how to advance plans to create Bus Rapid Transit in Surrey in the next three years. During the meeting, Surrey Council also endorsed a submission to the Provincial Government consultations ahead of Budget 2024 on other issues related to school infrastructure, healthcare infrastructure, and supportive and affordable housing.

“Last week I had the opportunity to visit York Region Transit and tour their award-winning Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “BRT, where buses operate in dedicated lanes, is an effective way of delivering fast, reliable, high-quality transportation. That’s why I have asked Staff to prepare a report on how to advance BRT on King George Boulevard to be the top priority for TransLink to deliver in the next three years.”

During Monday’s Regular Council Meeting, Council endorsed a written submission from the City of Surrey to the Provincial Government as part of consultations ahead of Budget 2024. The City’s submission closely aligns with provincial priorities in several infrastructure areas. Recommendations include:

  • That the Government of BC commit to increasing funding and to make funding more predictable for school infrastructure in Surrey.
  • That the Government of BC commit to increasing funding for healthcare infrastructure in Surrey.
  • That the Government of BC commit to increasing funding for supportive and affordable housing in Surrey.

“I hope the Province will provide equitable funding for Surrey’s infrastructure needs when preparing its 2024 Budget,” said Mayor Locke. “Surrey is woefully underserved when it comes to health care, transit, housing and school infrastructure and our residents deserve action now.”

Click here to read the City’s endorsed written submission to the Provincial Government as part of the Provincial Government’s consultations ahead of Budget 2024.