The budget aims to save Surrey a total of $135 million dollars over the next five years

SURREY (NEWS 1130) — Surrey’s finance committee has approved recommendations to slash the capital budget that includes pushbacks to building new facilities such as the much argued-over Cloverdale Arena.

Before the vote, the committee heard yet again from people in Surrey on the new capital plan, some of whom were advocating last-minute for the city government to abandon the cutbacks, which Mayor Doug McCallum sees as necessary to keep Surrey’s debt in check.

The new capital plan will go before city council for approval next Monday.

Councillors Pettigrew, Locke, Annis & Hundial all voted against the plan, saying they’ve heard from community members and don’t agree with delaying some capital projects like the Cloverdale ice rink. @NEWS1130 — Taran Parmar (@Tarankparmar) December 12, 2018

More than eighteen people in total lined up to give the committee their two cents on the new recommendations, including a representative from the Surrey Board of Trade, who said as Surrey expands its government has to accommodate the needs of the growing population. As expected, the new Cloverdale ice rink was at the centre of the debate.

Cindy Dalglish, another attendee talking before the committee, echoes concerns about Surrey’s future growth, especially as it pertains to youth services.

“I’m tired of hearing politicians talk in four-year terms,” she says. “I want them to look at the long-term, the longevity of what it means for a child to grow up in a city.”

Third speaker is @mike__bola. He says the community has been waiting years for a new ice arena. Says it's unfortunate council doesn't see the need for the arena. Travelling out of the city to practise means kids and parents are tired, and pushed to the limit. @NEWS1130 — Taran Parmar (@Tarankparmar) December 12, 2018

Anita Huberman from the Surrey Board of Trade says as the city grows, investment in infrastructure is needed. Transportation is critical, public engagement is vital. Says people need to know where their tax dollars are going. @NEWS1130 — Taran Parmar (@Tarankparmar) December 12, 2018

Young folks also chimed in, such as 15-year-old Pavandeep Nijjar implored the mayor to keep his word.

“He kept saying that he wants to make a change, so make a change, got through with this ice rink, go through with the rec centres, go through with everything you promised us,” Nijjar says.

Pavandeep Nijjar is a high school student who says the loss of an additional ice rink is devastating for the community. She says council has the future of the youth in their hands. @NEWS1130 — Taran Parmar (@Tarankparmar) December 12, 2018

On Monday night, parents and kids gathered in front of Cloverdale Arena to protest the mayor’s proposal to push back the construction of a new ice rink, which was promised and budgeted for by the previous government.

McCallum argues the city cannot afford new debt as borrowing rates are going up, though a new municipal police force is in the works for Surrey. The mayor has said the city’s debt is about $514 million, though latest figure shows it hovering around $316 million.

— with files from Taran Parmar