Where your money goes
Where your property taxes go
When you pay your property taxes, it may surprise you to learn that a large portion of those dollars don’t stay with the City of Surrey. Like all municipalities, Surrey is required to collect taxes on behalf of other authorities to fund regional and provincial services such as air quality, regional parks, solid waste management, and schools. It is important to note that the City of Surrey does not control the tax increases imposed by provincial authorities or how they spend their share.
In 2025, about 44% of your total tax bill went to other authorities:
Based on 2025 Budget
*Province-schools, TransLink, BC Assessment, Metro Vancouver, Municipal Finance Authority
In 2025, nearly 63% of property taxes collected went to the Province of BC, TransLink, Metro Vancouver and other authorities, as well as police services. The remaining 37% stayed with the City and part of the annual budget and helped fund the public services that support residents every day. This includes maintaining parks and recreational facilities, improving transportation infrastructure, enhancing arts and cultural amenities, and ensuring the safety and vibrancy of our growing city. These investments are essential to keeping Surrey one of Canada’s most livable communities, while also preparing for continued growth.
By understanding how taxes are distributed and by providing feedback during the budget process, you can play an active role in shaping how Surrey grows and delivers services in the years ahead.
Understanding your utility bill
Each year, the City of Surrey adjusts utility rates to reflect rising costs. But did you know that most of these increases come from Metro Vancouver, not the City?
Who sets the rates?
- Metro Vancouver: Supplies bulk water and treats wastewater. They set the rates for these services.
- City of Surrey: Delivers services locally and maintains infrastructure. We only control a small portion of the total utility rate.
2025 Water Utility Charges
Based on average consumption for a single family home
2025 Sewer Utility Charges
Based on average sewage discharge for a single family home
Metro Vancouver’s North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant costs have increased by $2.86 billion, impacting sewer levies across the region for the next 15 years.
What your utility bill helps pay for:
- Regional services (water supply, wastewater treatment) managed by Metro Vancouver
- Local services (infrastructure maintenance, customer service) managed by the City of Surrey
The City is committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility. We advocate for fair regional rates, but we do not control Metro Vancouver’s rate increases.
Learn more by reading the corporate report: 2025 Five-Year (2025-2029) Financial Plan – Self-Funded Utilities