Peace Arch News, December 11, 2014

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Thursday December 11, 2014 (Vol. 39 No. 99)

V O I C E

O F

W H I T E

R O C K

A N D

S O U T H

S U R R E Y

w w w. p e a c e a r c h n e w s . c o m

‘Two points’ and teddy bears: On the same night that the Surrey Eagles held their annual Teddy Bear Toss – collecting stuffed toys for children at Christmas – the BC Hockey League team ended a losing streak that had lasted for weeks. i see page 33

Cost pressures from plan to hire 100 RCMP officers to result in new recreation levy

Surrey mulls 10% increase to tax bills Kevin Diakiw Black Press

Property taxes in Surrey are set to soar next year – equivalent to a 10-per-cent increase – as the city grapples with cost pressures associated with an election promise to hire 100 more police officers. Surrey is planning to keep property-tax increases at 2.9 per cent next year – or $46.20 for the average home worth $648,000.

However, the increases don’t stop there. In fact, combined hikes planned for next year’s tax bill are $162. Other fees and levies are being added, largely due to a $15-million election promise of bringing in extra RCMP officers in 2015. Surrey staff recommend the creation of a recreation and culture levy of $100 per home, generating $16 million annually. In addition, a one-per-cent road levy intro-

duced in 2007 as a temporary five-year measure will likely continue for another 10 years, according to Coun. Tom Gill, who is chair of the city’s finance committee. That levy amounts to a $15.93 increase for next year. In all, the taxes for the average Surrey home will be climbing to $1,755 next year from $1,593 this year. If the home has a secondary suite, it’s going to get even more expensive. Surrey is plan-

ning to raise the secondary-suite fee by $116, to $526 per home – a 28-per-cent increase. The secondary-suite fee hike is explained by increasing costs associated with the bylaw department, police force and fire services. There was no mention by Surrey First during the fall election campaign that it would either reduce capital construction or introduce a levy to pay for it. i see page 4

Suspicious death

Body found in vehicle Tracy Holmes Staff Reporter

Police with Surrey RCMP’s Serious Crime Unit were on the scene in South Surrey Wednesday afternoon, following the discovery of a body near Elgin Heritage Park. Surrey RCMP were called to the 13900-block of 35A Avenue – just south of Crescent Road – at approximately 12:15 p.m. Dec. 10. According to a news release sent at 1:30 p.m., police found the body after responding to a report of “a suspicious circumstance.” The cause of death and identity had not been confirmed as of Peace Arch News’ press time that afternoon. Police said they could also not confirm the age of the deceased. At the scene, yellow police tape surrounded a grey newer-model vehicle that was in front of a home. The car’s rear wheels were in the ditch, its hatch was open and a white tarp was draped to cover the back passenger compartment. One witness reported seeing police take someone from the scene in the back of a police car. The individual ducked out of sight as the car drove off, the witness said. The stretch of Crescent Road near the scene, from approximately 140 Street to 136th, was closed to traffic while officers investigated. At press time, investigators were consulting with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. (See peacearchnews.com for updates).

Christmas ’cakes A crowd of hungry early-risers made their way to the White Rock Fire Hall last Saturday for the popular Pancake Breakfast with Santa fundraiser, supporting the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund. Firefighters got cooking at 5 a.m. to prep a tasty breakfast of pancakes, bacon and sausage before Santa’s arrival, which was enjoyed by Sophia Halcrow, 3, (right). Meanwhile, three-monthold Tallie Pearsall (above) had her eye on the prize, making sure she got her photo snapped – wearing a very appropriate hat – with the big man in red. Boaz Joseph photos

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