Surrey calls for public inquiry into Metro Vancouver governance over cost and accountability concerns

Surrey city council has unanimously approved a motion calling for a public inquiry into the governance and accountability of Metro Vancouver, raising concerns over financial management and decision-making at the regional body.

The motion, introduced by Mayor Brenda Locke, comes shortly after council approved Surrey’s 2026 budget — including a 2.6 per cent tax increase imposed by Metro Vancouver.

Locke emphasized the approval should not be seen as support.

“This should not be mistaken for support for Metro Vancouver,” she told council, noting the city is legally required to adopt the regional budget.

Rising costs and frustration

Metro Vancouver oversees key services across the region, including water supply, wastewater treatment and solid waste management, serving 21 municipalities, one First Nation and one electoral district.

But tensions have grown amid soaring infrastructure costs — particularly the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, whose budget has risen dramatically from about $700 million to roughly $3.86 billion.

Those increases, along with other upgrades such as the Iona sewage treatment plant, have translated into rising costs for residents, including a 9.9 per cent hike last year and a 7.3 per cent increase the year before.

Concerns over governance

Surrey’s motion alleges that Metro Vancouver and its related entities — including the Greater Vancouver Water District and the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District — are acting in ways that are “unfairly oppressive” and “prejudicial” to member municipalities.

It raises concerns about financial stewardship, transparency, potential withholding of records, and possible breaches of legal or contractual obligations.

Surrey Coun. Pardeep Kooner, who sits on the Metro Vancouver board, criticized what he described as “scope creep” and inflated budgets tied to major decisions.

“Metro Vancouver needs the City of Surrey,” he said, pointing to the city’s significant industrial and commercial base as a key driver of the regional economy.

Metro Vancouver response

In response, Metro Vancouver says steps are already being taken to improve governance.

A spokesperson pointed to an independent review conducted by Deloitte Canada, noting that nearly half of its recommendations have already been implemented, with the province involved in ongoing reforms.

The regional district says it remains committed to strengthening governance and ensuring long-term service delivery for residents.

Calls for broader review

Surrey is not alone in raising concerns. Last month, mayors from North Vancouver also called on the province to launch a formal review into Metro Vancouver’s governance structure.

With pressure mounting from multiple municipalities, the push for a public inquiry signals growing regional unease over how major infrastructure projects are being managed — and who ultimately bears the cost.