Surrey police budget cut by $47 million, union raises concern

The Surrey Police Board cut $46.95 million from its provisional 2026 budget, the Surrey Police Union says this equates to about 87 officer positions; the city says it is funding 189 officers and notes an ongoing extortion crisis in Surrey.

The Surrey Police Board reduced the provisional 2026 budget by $46.95 million, the Surrey Police Union said in a release. The union said that sum represents the annual cost of about 87 officers, at an average annual cost of $158,510 each. The union warned the reduction comes as the city faces an extortion crisis and while the Surrey Police Service is being asked to assume additional districts. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said the city is funding 189 officers and that the budget balances public safety with keeping taxes low. Key points: - The Police Board cut $46.95 million from the provisional 2026 budget, the union announced. - The union said the reduction is equivalent to the annual cost of roughly 87 officers, at about $158,510 per officer. - Mayor Brenda Locke said the budget funds 189 officers and is intended to balance public safety and taxes. - Surrey police described an ongoing extortion crisis; the Canada Border Services Agency said it had launched probes into 296 people and that 32 removal orders have been issued, including 10 people already removed from Canada. Summary: The union warned the budget reduction could affect patrol levels, proactive policing and specialized units, and asked the Police Board to disclose what services will be cut. City officials say the budget funds the number of officers requested and view the plan as balanced. Undetermined at this time.