Surrey Board of Trade Said Significant Concerns Remain About Future of Surrey's Economic Investments and Tax Increases Following Court Decision!

The long running fight by the Surrey Mayor Brenda, who ran on a platform to keep the RCMP in Surrey, may have come to an end as s Judicial Review Judge has given the decision in the provincial government’s favor to go ahead with the transition to Surrey Police Service (SPS). During a Thursday press conference following the court decision, Locke said she respects the decision, but is making it clear that she's not happy about the transition. Locke says the court ruling confirms the SPS will be more expensive than the RCMP. “It still comes back to the cost,” she said. But other organizations in Surrey aren’t enthusiastic about the decision and grudgingly accepting it with caution in terms of costs to taxpayers which clearly the SPS will do while there is no guarantee that it will police the city better than the RCMP. Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) said it respects the Judgement on Surrey's police decision but significant concerns remain about the future of Surrey's economic investments and tax increases. "We are deeply disappointed with today's judgment. The financial implications of this decision will be significant, particularly for the business community," Anita Huberman, President & CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade. "Higher taxes will not only increase operational costs but may also lead to a reduction in services that are vital for the economic health and overall quality of life in Surrey. It is crucial for the City's leadership to carefully consider their next steps to mitigate these impacts."

By R. Paul Dhillon – Editor DESIBUZZCanada

SURREY – The long running fight by the Surrey Mayor Brenda, who ran on a platform to keep the RCMP in Surrey, may have come to an end as the Judicial Review Judge has given the decision in the provincial government’s favour to go ahead with the transition to Surrey Police Service (SPS).

During a Thursday press conference following the court decision, Locke said she respects the decision, but is making it clear that she's not happy about the transition. 

Locke says the court ruling confirms the SPS will be more expensive than the RCMP. 

“It still comes back to the cost,” she said.

Meanwhile BC Solicitor General Mike Farnworth, who has overstepped his territorial authority by overruling Surrey on the transition, was all smiles, saying it’s all over and SPS will be the main police force in the growing city that will soon overtake Vancouver in terms of population size.

"People in Surrey want this to be over. I am hopeful that today's ruling is the time to come together to complete the transition to the Surrey Police Service,” Farnworth said.

"The safety of people in Surrey and across British Columbia has always been my main priority. Every action I have taken has been rooted in ensuring safe and effective policing so that when people call 911, help is on the way.

"This ruling helps to provide certainty for the future of policing in Surrey, and I look forward to continuing that work," Farnworth concluded.

But other organizations in Surrey aren’t enthusiastic about the decision and grudgingly accepting it with caution in terms of costs to taxpayers which clearly the SPS will do while there is no guarantee that it will police the city better than the RCMP.

Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) said it respects the Judgement on Surrey's police decision but significant concerns remain about the future of Surrey's economic investments and tax increases.

The court has recognized the additional $75 million increase in cost associated with the transition to the Surrey Police Service, SBOT said.

"We are deeply disappointed with today's judgment. The financial implications of this decision will be significant, particularly for the business community," Anita Huberman, President & CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade. "Higher taxes will not only increase operational costs but may also lead to a reduction in services that are vital for the economic health and overall quality of life in Surrey. It is crucial for the City's leadership to carefully consider their next steps to mitigate these impacts."

"We are frustrated that there will be higher taxes in Surrey, especially for businesses. Mayor and Council are reviewing their options. This enormous tax burden will make Surrey more expensive to live, work, and play in."

SBOT said questions still remain about whether this move will reduce crime, what the infrastructure and technology costs will be, how it will affect communication and support mechanisms for the community (residents and businesses), the collaboration with border agencies, the handling of investigation files, and many other related issues.

The Surrey Board of Trade said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the best interests of Surrey's business community.