Councillors Blast Province for “Walking Away”
The Surrey sewer levy has surged by 37.6% in 2025, fueling anger after the provincial government declined to review the costly wastewater treatment plant project.
Surrey mayoral candidate Linda Annis, alongside New Westminster councillor Daniel Fontaine and Richmond councillor Kash Heed, criticized Premier David Eby for “abandoning transparency.”
Their statement followed a Sept. 5 letter from Assistant Deputy Minister Tara Faganello, which confirmed the province will not launch a public inquiry. Instead, officials expect the matter to wait until litigation between Metro Vancouver and Acciona concludes—something councillors argue could take years or end in secrecy.
“Over $3 Billion Off the Rails”
“This project is over $3 billion off the rails, and instead of taking action, the Province is washing its hands,” Annis said.
Fontaine accused Eby of “walking away when it matters most,” while Heed warned the court case could easily be settled behind closed doors.
“If it’s buried under a non-disclosure agreement, taxpayers will be left in the dark forever,” Heed added.
Review Halted Despite Mounting Costs
The councillors say the refusal to invoke Inspector of Municipalities powers confirms the province will not use available oversight measures.
Meanwhile, Metro Vancouver’s board of directors voted privately in July to stop an independent review of the troubled project, leaving watchdogs sidelined.
Surrey Hit Hard by Rising Rates
The impact is already hitting households. In February, Surrey council approved utility adjustments across water, sewer, drainage, and other services. Much of the pressure comes from ballooning wastewater treatment plant costs.
Finance officials warned sewer levy increases will last 30 years for North Shore residents and 15 years for other municipalities, including Surrey.
Metro Vancouver sewer rates are projected to rise 7.1% annually for four years under the current Five-Year Plan. For single-family metered accounts, the 2025 annual impact is $174.14, while commercial accounts face $967.41.
Public Silent at Finance Meeting
Despite these sharp increases, no residents attended the finance committee meeting to voice concerns. Councillors now worry silence could let accountability slip further away.
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