SURREY – The average homeowner in Surrey can expect to shell out an extra $100 in taxes and fees this year and that’s not counting utility bill increases, which will work out to about $37.
“What we’re looking at is a $72 increase to the average household in terms of taxes,” Finance Committee chair Tom Gill told CBC News.
“We’re also looking at increasing the road and track levy that we implemented in 2008 by approximately $18. Finally, we’re looking at an additional increase of $10 to support the capital program for a total of just under $100.”
The committee has endorsed the plan, which council is expected to approve later this month.
Gill says the city needs new rec centres, arenas and other amenities to keep up with its rapidly growing population.
The $10 capital tax will be put toward those projects.
“We’re looking at three sheets of ice in the Bridgeview area. We’re looking at two sheets of ice in the Cloverdale area and a significant museum expansion,” he said.
“We have a number of capital items on the forefront in terms of significant investment, but certainly those three items come to mind.”
The three projects will cost just under $100 million.
The city also plans to build a $41.8 million dollar Culture and Recreation Facility in the Clayton Heights Area.
“Looking at the demographics of our city, one third of the population is under the age of 19,” Gill said.
“When you’re looking at the structures that we’re putting up, we’re making residents proud of the investments that we’re making.”
