1. Canada is very much the focus of this year’s Arts 2017 event, subtitled Reflections on Canada and set to showcase works by more than 40 artists at Surrey Art Gallery this summer. The Arts Council of Surrey presents its 33rd juried exhibition with an opening reception on Friday evening (June 23, 7 to 9 p.m.). The exhibition and related events are free until Aug. 26, at 13750 88th Ave. “While the call to artists encouraged artists to reflect on themes such as the environment, diversity, inclusion, youth and reconciliation, most of the submissions chose to engage with landscape and the environment,” gallery operators say in an event advisory. For details, call 604-501-5566 or visit surrey.ca/culture-recreation/22441.aspx.
2. A football field-long dinner table will stand at Surrey City Hall’s plaza on Tuesday evening (June 27, 5 to 9 p.m.) for The Long Long Table, an event planned to feed 200 people with “Canadian Affair”-themed menu items. The $40-a-plate event, organized by Downtown Surrey BIA, will feature bison meatballs in gravy, oven-baked bannock with candied salmon and blueberry sauce, mini lobster rolls and maple birthday cupcakes. Guests will be entertained by musicians and performers tasked with showcasing “Canadian culture and talent” throughout the evening. Visit llt2017.eventbrite.ca for info, or call the BIA at 604-580-2321.
3. There’s still time to sign up for Surrey RCMP’s Police Academy, a nine-week course designed to give Surrey residents an inside look at policing. Registration dates for the Youth Police Academy have passed, but names for the Citizen Academy will be accepted until June 30. This year’s program will run on Wednesday evenings from Sept. 13 to Nov. 8. As program operators explain, “This interactive learning series aims to foster a better understanding between Surrey citizens and the RCMP and explore what the community can do together to enhance public safety.” Sounds good. For complete details, look for the link at surrey.rcmp.ca or email Surrey.CPA-EPA.Surrey@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.