At least one Surrey resident is crying foul over increases to utility rates for multi-family dwellings.
The flat rate for sewer and water went up 3.8 per cent for single-family dwellings this year, but soared a 12.8 per cent for stratas.
Eduardo Baena called the increases "unreasonable" and "unfair" because of the discrepancy between single-family dwellings and strata complexes.
The city says multi-family rates have increased for two reasons.
First, the average consumption by multi-family homes in Surrey rose in the last year, costing an average of $35.98 per home, or an equivalent increase of 7.7 per cent over 2014.
In addition, Metro Vancouver increases amounted to $24.02, equal to 5.1 per cent on the average dwelling.
That brought the jump to $60, or 12.8 per cent per multi-family residence.
The increases, city staff say, are consistent with those being levied the city's metered customers.
The increase in utility fees was part of the City of Surrey's 2016 budget, which saw a 3.9-per-cent tax hike – or $70.28 for the average home worth $671,000.
In addition, Surrey is increasing a road levy by one per cent ($18.02), bringing the fee to $128 for next year.
The levy was introduced in 2007 as a temporary five-year measure. It has increased annually by one per cent since then.
In addition, the city has endorsed a 3.9-per-cent increase in fees and charges, such as business and dog licences, and recreation centre fees.