NDP calls for community court to help curb Surrey crime

A call to action has been put out by three NDP Surrey MLAs, asking for a community court to be instituted in B.C.’s fastest growing city.

Canada’s first community court was established in 2008 in the Downtown Eastside.

Every year, about 1,500 offenders are seen with sentences ranging from community service to jail time.

Surrey identified this type of justice system in their 2006 crime reduction strategy, and is working towards integrating this type of model.

“We’ve had some movement on that front and I’ve met with Anton a number of times, says Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. “We have gathered meeting February 5 to further that discussion.”

But for frustrated Surrey residents, the time for talk is up.

There were 25 murders in Surrey last year, including the death of hockey mom, Julie Paskell.

Residents, and community leaders are demanding a safer Surrey.

But before a Surrey community court can be established, all 3 levels of government need to come to a consensus, find a location, and work out the costs of this type of system.

— with files from Jennifer Palma