LETTER: Semiahmoo Arts Society deserves more from Surrey

Published 7:00 am Friday, September 18, 2026

Editor,

An open letter to Surrey council and aspiring candidates:

Re: Fair and equitable investment in arts and culture in South Surrey

I was surprised and deeply concerned to learn about the significant disparity in City budget allocations affecting South Surrey.

As a resident and neighbour, I believe our community deserves equitable and practical investment in arts and culture. As someone who has participated in several programs and services offered by Semiahmoo Arts Society (SAS) over the past 30 years, I have seen firsthand the value this organization brings to our community. SAS has been a committed community partner for more than 53 years, with a proven track record of providing accessible arts and cultural opportunities to residents.

It is concerning to me that the confidence residents place in City staff to administer public funds fairly and equitably may not be reflected in the current allocation of resources to South Surrey.

I am asking Surrey council and all aspiring candidates to address this issue now. Regardless of whether you are re-elected, this matter requires prompt attention and resolution.

SAS is facing the possibility of bankruptcy by the end of 2027 after more than 53 years of serving the community. According to SAS, this situation is directly connected to the negligible level of arts funding invested in South Surrey compared with other areas of Surrey.

Read the July 2026 letter to Surrey city council from the SAS board of directors (find it online at tinyurl.com/SemiahmooArtsLetter).

Two issues in particular require timely attention:

• Arts funding in South Surrey: SAS states that South Surrey receives less than 1% of the City’s $10.7-million annual operating budget for Arts and Culture, despite South Surrey being home to approximately 16% of Surrey’s population. SAS further states that almost the entire $10.7-million budget is spent north of Highway 10.

• The South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre operating agreement: SAS has operated the arts space at the South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre for approximately 12 years under an agreement dating from 2014, with virtually no operating grant. SAS maintains that this arrangement is unlike comparable operating agreements elsewhere in the region and has requested that the City renegotiate the agreement, which expired two years ago.

Since early 2026, SAS has been actively appealing to City staff to renegotiate this operating agreement. Despite its best efforts, there has reportedly been no meaningful progress.

I understand that the financial support being requested would amount to less than half the annual salary of a City staff member. In my opinion, the lack of meaningful action on an issue of this importance represents a serious neglect of the needs of South Surrey’s arts and cultural community.

SAS has demonstrated its commitment to our community for more than five decades. It should not be placed in a position where the continuation of its services is at risk because of an inequitable funding and operating arrangement.

I respectfully ask Surrey council and all candidates seeking public office to review the facts presented by SAS, respond to the concerns raised, and identify what concrete action can be taken to ensure equitable access to arts and culture funding across Surrey.

I would appreciate an acknowledgement of this letter and, most importantly, information about what action you are prepared to take.

Pat (Pattie) Petrala, White Rock