Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has publicly rejected a proposed police budget for the city, labeling the requested increase as 'extraordinarily excessive.' The decision, announced in early December 2025, sets the stage for a significant debate over public safety spending in British Columbia's most populous municipality.
Mayor Locke's Firm Stance on Fiscal Responsibility
The mayor's rejection centers on the scale of the financial ask from the police service. While the exact figures of the proposed budget were not detailed in the initial report, Mayor Locke's strong language indicates a substantial requested increase over previous years. Her stance underscores a commitment to controlling municipal spending and ensuring taxpayer funds are allocated responsibly across all city services, not just policing.
This move is not happening in a vacuum. It reflects ongoing and complex discussions in Surrey regarding the structure of its police force, transitioning from the RCMP to a municipal Surrey Police Service. Budgetary pressures are a critical component of this multi-year process.
The Broader Context of Policing in Surrey
The budget clash occurs against a backdrop of significant change for law enforcement in the city. Surrey has been navigating a complicated and often controversial transition to its own police service. Any proposed budget must account for the costs associated with this transition, including hiring, training, and infrastructure, which can lead to higher funding requests.
Mayor Locke's pushback suggests a desire to scrutinize these costs closely. Her announcement implies that the police service's financial plans may not align with the city's broader fiscal strategy or the council's vision for balanced service delivery. The term 'extraordinarily excessive' signals a fundamental disagreement over financial priorities.
Potential Implications and Next Steps
Rejecting the initial budget proposal is likely the first step in a negotiation process. The police service will now need to revise its request or provide further justification for its funding needs. This could lead to extended discussions between the city council, the police board, and civic administrators in the coming weeks.
The outcome of this dispute will have real-world consequences. It could impact police staffing levels, resource allocation, and the pace of the ongoing transition from the RCMP. Residents will be watching closely, as the decision ultimately affects community safety, property taxes, and the city's ability to fund other essential services like parks, roads, and recreation.
Mayor Locke's firm position, announced on December 3, 2025, establishes a clear line in the sand. It emphasizes that while supporting law enforcement is a priority, it must be done within a framework of rigorous fiscal accountability. The coming period will test the balance between investing in public safety and maintaining sustainable city finances.
