Surrey, BC – The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade (SWRBOT) released its 2025 Red Tape Report at its annual Development Industry Forum on October 24.
SWRBOT’s 2025 Red Tape Survey found nearly 60% of businesses experience moderate to significant impacts from regulatory compliance, with over one-third spending six or more hours per week on compliance tasks.
“Our survey data provides valuable insights to guide practical solutions that support growth and economic opportunity in Surrey and White Rock. Every hour spent on unnecessary red tape is an hour that could have been spent on growth, innovation and operations within businesses.”
Joslyn Young, CEO
Key Survey Findings:
- 60% of businesses report increasing time and costs for compliance over the past two years.
- Top compliance challenges include understanding requirements (67%), preparing documentation (57%), and submitting through multiple portals (54%).
- Municipal development processes – including cost charges, building permits, and public hearings – remain significant barriers for real estate and construction sectors.
To address these challenges, the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade is urging all levels of government to:
- Improve clarity of instructions and provide guidance materials.
- Consolidate reporting across agencies.
- Simplify digital portals and implement a single-login system for business functions, including permits, licensing, taxes, and reporting.
- Reduce reporting frequency.
Access the full 2025 Red Tape Report here: https://swrbot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Red-Tape-Survey-Report.pdf.
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Aman Parmar
aman@swrbot.com | 604.634.0345
