The city is asking for the public’s help in shaping Surrey’s first-ever Community Summit. The event will be a two-way dialogue where residents can discuss ideas, learn how to become more involved in their community, gather information on topics important to them, and learn more about their city.
A new online survey has been set up at www.surrey.ca/engagement to gather feedback on possible workshop and dialogue topics.
“As we continue to evolve as a city, we want our residents to help shape their communities. The community summit is a new and collaborative way to connect with people and share ideas about how to build a stronger Surrey,” says Mayor Dianne Watts.
The event is taking place on April 6, 2013 at SFU Surrey and the keynote speaker will be Gord Hume, one of Canada’s leading voices on municipal government, cultural planning and creative cities.
“The community summit is about bringing people together and having a meaningful dialogue. So, we encourage people to explore the topic ideas, join the discussion, and help create a great event,” says Coun. Barinder Rasode, chair of the summit.
The event is a result of feedback received during a series of town hall meetings held in 2012, where residents requested the city host a community forum. It is part of Surrey’s new community consultation framework, which was established in 2011 by a committee comprised of representatives from 38 community associations. This framework is now used as a basis for communications between the city, community groups, residents and businesses.