A new study from the Fraser Institute tracks municipal spending across the Lower Mainland and compares both spending and revenue.

The study compares numbers from 2009 to 2024 and adjusts for inflation.

On average, municipal governments across the Lower Mainland spent about $2,387 per person. This is 14.5 per cent higher than in 2009, which works out to $303.

According to the study, West Vancouver government spends the most per person at $3,879 while Surrey spends the least at $1,646.

Over the 15 years, per-person spending saw the highest increase in Pitt Meadows at 30.6 per cent and the least in the City of Langley at 3.8 per cent. 

Collection from municipal governments, on average, was $3,101 per person, which is 27.5 per cent higher than 2009.

Revenue between various municipal governments also varied. 

West Vancouver was again on top with the highest revenue in 2024 being $4,387. The City of Langley had the lowest with $2,463.

Between 2009 and 2024, per-person revenue increased the most in Port Moody at 48.3 per cent and the least in the City of North Vancouver at 10.5 per cent. 

Overall, spending and revenue across the Lower Mainland increased. 

Spending went up 10.6 per cent and revenue went up 39.4 per cent.