Surrey businesses are feeling the squeeze from excessive regulations, according to the 2025 Red Tape Report released by the Surrey and White Rock Board of Trade on October 24.
The report shows that nearly 60% of local businesses experience “moderate to significant” impacts while trying to meet government compliance requirements, with more than a third spending over six hours a week on related paperwork and processes.
“Every hour spent on unnecessary red tape is an hour that could have been spent on growth, innovation and operations within businesses,” said Joslyn Young, CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade.
Key challenges identified include:
- Understanding compliance requirements (67%)
- Preparing and managing documentation (57%)
- Navigating multiple submission portals (54%)
The report also highlights particular difficulties in the real estate and construction sectors, where city hall development processes—including cost charges, building permits, and public hearings—remain major bottlenecks.
In response, the Board is calling on all levels of government to take action by:
- Clarifying compliance instructions and offering better guidance materials
- Consolidating reporting systems across agencies
- Simplifying digital portals and creating a single-login system for taxes, permits, and licensing
- Reducing reporting frequency for businesses
The report underscores a shared concern across Surrey’s business community: red tape continues to slow growth, innovation, and investment in one of B.C.’s fastest-growing cities.
