First-ever ‘Surrey Summit’ gives residents a say in shaping city’s future

LARISSA CAHUTE
VANCOUVER DESI

Surrey Coun. Barinder Rasode, the chair of the Community Summit, is encouraging residents to explore the topic ideas and join the discussion. Ian Lindsay/ PNG

Surrey residents asked for a community forum, so the City of Surrey will be holding one this spring.

The city’s first-ever Community Summit was created as a result of feedback from a series of 2012 Town Hall meetings and will be held April 6, 2013 at Simon Fraser University.

Until then, the City is asking for the public’s help in shaping the discussion by identifying topics of importance through an online survey at surrey.ca/engagement.

So far most residents’ concerns revolved around transportation, community planning and overcrowding in schools.

“We encourage people to explore the topic ideas, join the discussion, and help create a great event,” said Coun. Barinder Rasode, also the chair of the Community Summit.

The event is part of Surrey’s new community consultation framework established in 2011 by a committee made up of representatives from 38 community associations.

The keynote speaker of the forum will be Gord Hume, a leading voice on municipal government, cultural planning and creative cities.

“We want our residents to help shape their communities,” said Mayor Dianne Watts. “The Community Summit is a new and collaborative way to connect with people and share ideas about how to build a stronger Surrey.”

The forum will be a two-way dialogue running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at SFU Surrey.

Tags: forum, Surrey