The City of Surrey and Surrey RCMP are joining forces to try and combat crime following a record number of homicides last year.
On Saturday, they launched a new program called “Surrey Steps Up.” The initiative encourages citizens to share ideas on how to enhance safety and to celebrate the spirit of Surrey in a positive way.
The program focuses on participation from three streams: youth, business and neighbourhood engagement. Details on how residents can get involved is still being worked out, but so far Mayor Dianne Watts says this truly is a step in the right direction.
“These are just some wonderful ways to engage the community, and bring the community along, and I have to say that as mayor of the City of Surrey we have a phenomenal community, and they are ready to step up for sure” says Mayor Watts.
Surrey’s crime rate has been the focus of much criticism these past few months following the murder of Julie Paskall, who was beaten to death outside a Newton arena.
RCMP Chief Superintendent Bill Forday is looking forward to the new program.
“It’s an exciting opportunity that we wanted to embrace and obviously give the citizens of this great city every opportunity that they can to achieve their potential.”
About 120 people attended the conference on Saturday at the Surrey Arts Centre. Citizens and officials are hoping the new program will help repair Surrey’s reputation, turning it into a more livable and safe place.
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