Social Plan_2007-2008

Action Plan for the Social Well-Being of Surrey Residents2007-2008 Annual Report

June 2008

Action Plan for the Social Well-Being ofSurrey Residents:2007-2008 Annual Report

Introduction 2

Children&Youth 6

CommunityDevelopment&Diversity 18

Housing&Homelessness 27

Crime&PublicSafety 34

SupportingSeniorsinSurrey 40

LookingAhead:ActionPlanfor2008-2009 41

AppendixA:OverviewoftheProcess 44

Table of Contents

� Action Plan for the Social Well-Being of Surrey Residents

This2007-2008AnnualReporthighlightstheactivitiesandactionsundertakenbytheCityofSurreyduringthesecondyearoftheimplementationoftheActionPlanfortheSocialWell-BeingofSurreyResidents(“SocialPlan”).ThereportdemonstratestheCity’scommitmenttoimplementingtherecommendationsoftheSocialPlan,andtopromotingthesocialsustainabilityofthecommunity.

WhenCounciladoptedtheSocialPlaninFebruary2006,itapproveda$650,000annualSocialPlanbudget.ThemajorityofthesefundsarebeingusedtomakeCommunityandLeisureServicesmoreinclusiveandaccessibletoallresidents,especiallyvulnerablechildrenandyouthandpeopleofdiversemulti-culturalbackgrounds,andtoenhanceservicesofferedbySurreyPublicLibrary.ThisAnnualReportprovideshighlightsofthenewandinnovativerecreationandlibraryservicesthatarerespondingtotheneedsidentifiedintheSocialPlan.TheReportalsohighlightstheactionsbeingtakenbyotherdepartments,includingPlanningandDevelopmentandEngineering,toenhancethesocialwell-beingofSurreyresidents.

Surrey’sSocialPlanrecognizesthattheprovisionofsocialservices,includinghealth,housing,education,employmentandsettlementservices,isprimarilytheresponsibilityoftheprovincialandfederalgovernments.However,theSocialPlanidentifiedrolesfortheCityofSurreytoassumeinhelpingtoresolvecomplexsocialissues.ThisAnnualReportdocumentstheCity’spartnershipsonvariousseniorgovernmentandcommunityinitiatives.ItalsodemonstratespracticalandstrategicwaysthattheCityisusingitsinfluenceandlimitedresourcestoserveasacatalystforaction.Highlightsofthepastyearinclude:

The Surrey Homelessness and Housing Fund-TheCitycommittedover$9millionfromitsAffordableHousingReserveFundtokick-starttheFund,whichisoverseenbyacommunity-basedBoardofDirectorsandhousedintheVancityCommunityFoundation.TheFundwillprovideasourceofseedfundingtoleveragepublicandprivateinvestmentinaddressinghomelessnessinSurrey.Aswell,theFundwillprovideamechanismforprivatedonorstomakecharitabledonations.TheSurreyHomelessnessandHousingFundwillfoster“madeinSurrey”solutionstohomelessnessandhousingissues.

Partnership with BC Housing-TheCityofSurreysignedaMemorandumofUnderstandingwithBCHousingtodeveloptwonewsocialhousingprojectsonCity-ownedland.Oneisasupportivehousingprojectforsinglemothers,and

•

•

Introduction

The City of Surrey is using its influence and resources to

serve as a catalyst for action

2007-2008 Annual Report �

theotherisa“stateoftheart”addictionscentre.TheCityhasalsobeenworkingwithBCHousingandseveralnon-profitsocietiestofacilitatetheconversionofexistingpropertiesintosocialhousingand/orthedevelopmentofnewsupportivehousingprojects.Theseactionswillresultinapproximately200newsocialhousingbedsorunitsforSurrey.

Community-Schools Partnership Initiative-TheCommunity-SchoolsPartnershipInitiativeisusingschoolfacilitiestocreateneighbourhoodhubs.Thegoalistostrengthen“inner-city”neighbourhoodsbymakingservicesandprogramsmoreaccessibleandresponsivetotheuniqueneedsofeachneighbourhood.TheCity

•

ofSurreyispartneringwiththeSchoolDistrictandassumingaleadershiproleindevelopingthisinnovativemodel.

WhilenotanexhaustiveaccountofallthattheCityofSurreyandotherorganisationsaredoingtopromotethewell-beingofitsresidents,the2007-2008AnnualReporthighlightstheactionstakenbytheCityduringthepastyearinresponsetotherecommendationsoftheSocialPlan.


TheSocialPlanwasadoptedasafive-yearplan,providingstrategicdirectionfortheCity’sactionsonsocialissues.This2007-2008reportrepresentsthesecondAnnualReportonimplementationofthePlan.

TheSocialPlanfocusesonfivethemesorprioritysocialissues:

ChildrenandYouth

CommunityDevelopmentandDiversity

HousingandHomelessness

CrimeandPublicSafety

SubstanceAbuseandAddictions

•

•

•

•

•

SincetheadoptionoftheSocialPlanin2006,theCitydevelopedaseparateCrimeReductionStrategy,releasedinFebruary2007.ThisAnnualReportdoesnotprovideanupdateontherangeofactivitiesrelatingtothisStrategy,asidefrombrieflydescribingseveralsharedinitiatives.Duetotheirinterrelationship,actionsaddressingsubstanceabuseareoutlinedintheHousingandHomelessnessandCrimeandPublicSafetysections.

About this Report


TheSocialPlanningAdvisoryCommitteewasre-establishedin2007.ItspurposeistoprovideadvicetoCouncilandtoundertakeinitiativestoenhancethesocialwell-beingofpresentandfutureresidentsofSurrey.CommitteemembersincludetwoCityCouncillorsandninecommunitymembers.

Inthefallof2007,theSocialPlanningandResearchCouncilofBC(SPARCBC)facilitatedtwoworkshopstoassisttheCommitteeindevelopingaworkplan.ThefollowingissuesemergedasthepriorityareasthattheCommitteechosetofocusonin2007-2008byunderstandingand,whereappropriate,makingrecommendationstoCouncil.

Disabilityandaccessibilityissuesandthemunicipalrole

DistributionofsocialservicesandtheCommunityImpactStatementprocessfornewcommunityservicebusinesslicensesintheCitycentre

Shortageofqualitychildcare

Neighbourhoodrevitalization

•

•

•

•

Social Planning Advisory Committee


WhileSurrey’spopulationisaging,theactualnumberofchildrenlivinginSurreycontinuestogrow.Accordingtothe2006Census,approximately107,800childrenaged0to19liveinSurrey.Childrenandyouthcomprise27%ofthetotalpopulationinSurrey,incomparisontoaMetroVancouveraverageof23%.

Manyfamilieswithchildrenfaceincomeandothersocio-economicchallenges.OneinsevenSurreyfamiliesisheadedbyaloneparent.FouroutoffiveloneparentsinSurreyarewomenandthepovertyrateforBCchildrenlivinginfamiliesheadedbyloneparentmothersin2006was48%.

Forchildrenenteringkindergarten,asignificantnumberhaveEnglishasasecondlanguage.Forty-threepercentofthepopulationofSurreyhavealanguageotherthanEnglishasamothertongue,withPunjabibeingthedominantnon-officiallanguage.

Researchshowsthatthequalityoftheearlyyearsbeforetheageofsixhasacriticalinfluenceonachild’sschoolreadinessandlong-termlifeoutcomes.TheCityofSurreyrecognisesthatbothfamilyandneighbourhoodfactorsaffectearlychildoutcomesandistakingactiontosupportfamiliesandneighbourhoodsinpromotinghealthyearlychildhooddevelopment.

EmergingresearchinBritishColumbiaonmiddleyearschildrenaged6to12yearsshowsthattoomanyoftheseyoungstersareinactiveandnotinvolvedinhealthy,supervisedafter-schoolactivities.Overthepastyear,theCityhasbeeninvolvedinsupportingmiddleyearsinitiatives,suchastheKidzConference.

Positiveyouthdevelopmentrequiresthatyoungpeoplehaveopportunitiestodevelopskillsandcompetencies,engageinhealthyactivities,connectwithcaringpeersandadults,andcontributetotheircommunity.Inthepastyear,theCityhasenhancedrecreationprogramsforyouth.Inaddition,thePlanningandDevelopment,Parks,RecreationandCulture(PRC)andEngineeringDepartmentshavecontinuedtoprovideyouthwithopportunitiestobeengagedincivicissuesandmakecontributionstothecommunity.

FundingattachedtotheSocialPlanhasenabledPRCtomaintainandimplementnewactivitiesthatfocusonopportunitiesforplayandyouthparticipation.FundingcontinuestoenableSurreyPublicLibraryprogrammingtoimproveliteracylevelsandtoincreasehoursandaccessibilitytolibraries.

Children & Youth

Supporting families and neighbourhoods promotes healthy

early childhood development


WithfundingtosupportimplementationoftheSocialPlan,theParks,RecreationandCultureDepartmenthasmaintainedandcreatedmoreprogramsineachofSurrey’ssixcommunities.Theseprogramsprovideopportunitiesforplayandparticipationacrossageandtargetpopulations.Strongpartnershipswithotheragenciescontinuetobeahallmarkofmanyoftheseprogramsandactivities,someofwhicharehighlightedbelow.

Partnershipsfocusingontheearlyyearsaged0to6includesupportingtheexpansionoftheOfficeofEarlyChildhoodDevelopment,LearningandCare(ECDL&C),whichishostedattheSurreySchoolDistrict.

•

InpartnershipwiththeSurreySchoolDistrictandBCMinistryofEducation,theCityhashelpedtoimplementtheStrongStartprogramatBridgeviewandCougarCreekElementarySchools.Thisfreeparentparticipationprogramintroducesfamiliestotheschoolsetting,helpingtobuildrelationshipswithschoolstaffandimprovingschoolreadiness.TheCitywillphaseoutitsinvolvementastheSchoolDistricttakesoverexpansionoftheStrongStartprogramtootherschoolsin2008.

ThefirstlicensedpreschoolprograminSurreyisbeingpilotedthroughtheGrowandLearnProgramatW.EKinvigElementarySchool,inpartnershipwiththeSurreySchoolDistrict.

•

•

Parks, Recreation & Culture


UndertheEveryoneGetstoPlayInitiative,theCityhaspartneredorinitiatednewprogramming,muchofwhichwasofferedatnochargeorwithreducedfees.Theseinitiativeswerediverseinnatureandrangedfrom:

MotherGooseProgram,offeredinpartnershipwithDIVERSEcity,OPTIONSandECDL&C,toprovideparentsandtheirinfantsaged0-18monthswithopportunitiestoparticipateinsongs,storytellingandotherparent-childactivitiesnotusingpropsortoys.

GirlsLunchTimeprogramthatengageshigh-riskgirlsaged10-12attendingPortKellsElementarySchool.

ParkPlayProgramthatprovidesdrop-inactivitiesforchildren,youthandfamiliesinlocalcommunityparksacrossSurrey.

Initiativeshavebeenundertakentosupportandstrengthenfamilies.CommunityKitchensatCityfacilitiesassistedparticipantsinlearningabouthealthyandaffordablemealpreparationandavailablefoodprogramssuchastheHarvestBoxandcommunitygardens.TheCitysupportstheHealthiestBabiesPossibleprogramrunbyOPTIONS,byprovidingofficespace,andin2007alsoprovidingoutreachfitnessactivities.TheHealthiestBabiesPossibleprogramsupportshigh-riskpregnantwomenandtheirpartners,andfamilieswithbabiesupto6monthsold.

Anumberofcommunityeventswereheld,includingYouthFest2007andthefirsteverKidzConference.YouthFestwasaone-dayeventatGuildfordRecreationCentrethatpromotedmusic,culture,arts,activeliving,andcommunityspiritinafestivalformat.TheKidzConferenceprovided

•

-

-

-

•

•

over360childrenaged6to12yearswithsessionsoncommunitycapacitybuilding,communityengagementandself-esteem.ItwasheldinpartnershipwiththeMiddleChildhoodMattersandMakeChildrenFirstCommittees,withfundingfromtheUnitedWay.

ProgramsthatintegratedtheneedsofspecifictargetgroupswhomayfacebarrierstorecreationandsocialactivitiesweredeliveredandmaintainedwithSocialPlanfunding.Theseinclude:AdaptedSkatingLessons(inpartnershipwithSurreyAssociationforCommunityLiving)toprovideone-on-onesupportforindividualswithspecialneedsinaninclusiveandfunatmosphere;theChillSnowBoardingProgram(inpartnershipwith2010Legaciesandcorporatesponsors)toprovideat-riskyouthwithanopportunitytolearnlifeskillsthroughsnowboarding;theGreenbrookClubHouse(inpartnershipwithBCHousing)toprovideyouthaged6to16atahousingcomplexinNewton,withawidearrayofsocialandrecreationalactivitiesthattheywouldhavenototherwisebeenabletoaccessduetovariouseconomicandsocialbarriers;andCricketPlanningWorkshops,asportingreatdemandintheSouthAsiancommunity.

•


TheLibraryisactivelyinvolvedinnumerousprojectsthatimprovetheliteracylevelsofSurreyresidentsandhelptoconnectpeoplewithideas,knowledgeandeachother.In2007,theSurreyPublicLibrarydevelopedanewStrategicPlan:ConnectingPeople(availableonourwebsiteatwww.spl.surrey.bc.ca)thatoutlinesourcommitmenttoimprovingLibraryserviceinourcommunity.

TheLibrarybuildsliteracyskillsinchildrenthroughitsSummerReadingClub,storytimesandchildren’sprogramsthroughoutthecommunity.Over100,000kidsparticipatedin2007.

ImprovedaccessonSundaysmakeslibrariesaccessibleforchildrenandtheirfamilies.TheLibraryisnowopenonSundaysyearroundatWhalley,Guildford,

•

•

•

Newton,Fleetwood,StrawberryHillandSemiahmooandfromSeptemberthroughAprilatCloverdaleandOceanPark.

TheLibraryparticipatedinnumerouscommunityeventssuchastheSurreyChildren’sFestival,SurreyReads,theKidzConferenceandtheEnvironmentalExtravaganza.

PartnershipswithcommunityagenciessuchasOPTIONShelpedtheLibrarytoreachouttoyoungfamilies.

OutreachtotheAwahsukAboriginalHeadStartPreschoolencouragedhealthyeatingandintroducedthechildrentoFirstNationsauthors.

LibrarystaffareprovidingcomputerliteracyskillstrainingtostudentsinKla-How-Eya’sCulinaryArtsProgram.

•

•

•

•

Surrey Public Library

10 Action Plan for the Social Well-Being of Surrey Residents

TheLibraryparticipatedinmulti-servicecommunityinitiatives,suchastheCommunity-SchoolsPartnershipInitiative.

TheReadingBuddiesprogramwasextendedtofivelocations,matchingteenvolunteerswithkidswhoneedpracticereading,manyofwhomarelearningtospeakEnglish.FundingfromCoastCapitalSavingshasbeensecuredtoenablethisprogramtocontinueatthefivelocationsforthenextthreeyears.

GreatCircleTimesworkshopsprovidestaffmembersinchildcareagencieswithskillstodeliverstorytimestotheirchildren,andtheLibrary’snew“Storyboxes”providethemwiththebooksandothermaterialstomakethestorytimesanenrichingandfunexperience.

Anewprogramofculturalawarenesstrainingwasimplementedinthespringof2008forLibrarystaffmembers,conductedbystafftrainers.Thiswillbecomepartoftheorientationforallstaffmembers.

•

•

•

•

Someongoingprogramsinclude:

ReadyforKindergartenKitswhicharedistributedthroughthelocalFoodBank,tohelpkidsgetreadyforschool.

Participationintheprovincial“BooksforBabies”programwith5,000kitsdistributedtonewmothersinpartnershipwithFraserHealthAuthority.

‘Muffin’programswhichoffernutritioussnackstoencourageparticipationinstorytimesandhealthyeatinghabits.

Computerliteracytraining,bothinaclassroomsettingandthroughone-to-onetrainingprograms.

•

-

-

-

-

2007-2008 Annual Report 11

Community-Schools Partnership InitiativeTheCommunity-SchoolsPartnershipInitiative(C-SP),spearheadedbytheSurreySchoolDistrictandtheCityofSurreyin2006,drawstogethertheexpertiseandresourcesofkeypublicandcommunityagenciesservingchildren,youthandfamiliesinSurreywiththeintenttoestablishdesignatedschoolsasneighbourhoodcentres.Usingschoolsasneighbourhoodfocalpoints,theC-SPInitiativeseeksto:weavetogetheranarrayoflocalservicesandresourcesforchildren,youthandfamilies;provideconnectionstothebroadernetworkofcitywideservices;buildasenseofneighbourhoodidentity;andpromotelifelonglearningandoverallcommunityliveability.

FourC-SPCoordinatorshavebeenhiredtoworkwithpartnerstoestablishcommunity-schoolhubsintheGuildford,WhalleyandNewtonneighbourhoods.WhileoverthelongtermitisenvisagedthattheC-SPwillbecomeacitywideprogram,theinitiativecurrentlyfocusesonthreeclustersofinner-cityschoolsinrecognitionthatfamilieslivingintheseareasoftenfaceparticulardifficultiesaccessingtheservicesorsupportstheyneed.Eachofthethreecurrenthubsincludesonesecondaryschoolandbetweentwotofourelementaryschools.

CommunityandLeisureServicesprogramsintroducedundertheC-SPInitiativeincludetheCommunity-SchoolsPartnershipLeisureAccessProgram.TheCity’sLeisureAccessProgram(LAP)providesanopportunityforresidentsinfinancialneedtoparticipateinParks,RecreationandCultureactivitiesataverylowcost.BeginninginMarch2008,LAPformswereintroducedfortheC-SPtoallowschoolofficialstoassessneedandeligibilityfortheLAPprogramandimproveoverallaccess.

The Community-Schools Partnership Initiative

seeks to build a sense of neighbourhood identity

1� Action Plan for the Social Well-Being of Surrey Residents

Youth Engagement Providingyoungpeoplewithopportunitiestocontributetothecommunity,developleadershipskillsandparticipateindecision-makingarecriticalcomponentsofcreatingachildandyouthfriendlycity.TheCityofSurreyisproactivelycreatingopportunitiesforyoungpeopletobeactivecitizensintheircommunityandengagedincivicissues.

Youth Engagement in Social and Community Planning

TheYouthEngagementinSocialandCommunityPlanningisapilotprojecttodevelopa“madeinSurrey”modelofyouthengagement.AjointeffortofSocialPlanningandCommunityandLeisureServices,since2007theprojecthasresultedin:

TheformationoftheSurreyLeadershipYouthCouncil(SLYC),whichincludesadiversegroupofWhalleyyouthranginginagefrom15to20years,whoseself-definedmissionis“WhalleyyouthhelpingWhalleyyouthspeakupandhavetheirvoicesheard.”

ThehiringofaYouthParticipationCoordinatortomentorandsupporttheYouthCouncil,facilitateyouthconsultationsandworkshops,andrepresenttheCityandyouthinterestsonvariousCityandcommunity-basedcommittees.

•

•

2007-2008 Annual Report 1�

InNovember2007,SLYCfacilitationofaone-dayYou(th)SpeakUp!Forum,whichengagedapproximately40Whalleyyouthinactivitiestodiscussandexploretheirexperiencesandideasaboutcreatingayouth-friendlyWhalley.TheresultsofthisforumwerecompiledintoareportandpresentedtoMayorandCouncil,PlanningandDevelopmentDepartmentstaffandcommunitygroups.

SLYCorganisedaseriesofYouthSpeakUpNightsatTomBinnieYouthCentre.Thesecasualeventscombined“openmic”andworkshopformatstogiveWhalleyyouthon-goingopportunitiestoexpressthemselvesanddiscusscommunityissues.

Representationofyouthinterestsoncommunityplanninginitiativesincluding:aworkshopforyouthaspartoftheSustainabilityCharterpublicconsultation;twofocusgroupswithyouthtodiscussandreceivefeedbackontheCityCentrePlanUpdate;facilitationofaworkshopattheKidzConferenceforchildrenaged6to12yearstoelicittheirideasandperspectiveoncreatingachild-friendlycity;andparticipationoftheYouthParticipationCoordinatorandoneSLYCmemberontheSurreyPublicLibrary’sLiteracyPlansteeringcommittee.

TheYouthParticipationCoordinatorworkedwithstaffandvolunteersofUmojatoassistwiththeirArrive,Survive,ThriveprojectthatfocusedonsettlementissuesofAfricanyouthinSurrey.

Youth Engagement in Community and Leisure Services

TheSurreyYouthCouncil(SYC)isanotableexampleofyouthengagementintheplanningofrecreationprogramsforyouth.Overthelasttwoyears,theSYChasgrownfromahandfulofyouthtoover25members.Thisgroupistakingonlargerprojectsallthetimeandcontinuestomakeapositivechangeinourcommunity.In2007,theSYCtookonanumberofprojectsincludingdevelopingawebsite,planningaBBQandBandeventattheGuildfordSkatePark,outreachinschoolstorecruitnewmembersandincreaseawarenessoftheSYC,andparticipatinginvariousvolunteerevents.

•

•

•

•

The City of Surrey is creating opportunities for young people to be

active citizens in their community and engaged in civic issues


Youth Engagement in the Environment

TheCityofSurrey’sNatureMattersProgramhassignificantyouthengagementthroughitsShaRP,SNAP,EcoRangersorRELEAFinitiatives.Youthworkwithstaffoncommunityprojectsandcommunityeducationinitiatives.Thefocusistomakeyouthandthecommunityawareoftheirassetsforbetterprotection,enhancementandpride.

ShaRP,theCity’sSalmonHabitatRestorationProgrammitigatesurbanimpactstostreamsthroughenhancementandrestorationprojectsandprovidespubliceducationandcommunityoutreachprograms.

SNAP,Surrey’sNaturalAreasPartnershippromotesthestewardshipofSurrey’snaturalareasandparksthroughprojectssuchasplantingnativevegetation,removinginvasiveplants,cleaningupdumpedyardwasteandeducatingthepublicabouttheimportanceofnatureinthecity.

EcoRangersarevolunteerswhoactasambassadorsinnatureparksaroundSurreyduringthesummermonths,raisingawarenessoftheimportanceandvalueofnaturalareasandthewildlifethatdependuponthemtosurvive.

RELEAFisavolunteercommunitytree-plantingprogramthathelpstoincreasewildlifehabitatinnaturalareasinSurrey.HeldannuallyinAprilandOctober,theCityprovidesresourcestoclassesandschoolsfortreeplanting.

•

•

•

•


CommitteesSurrey/White Rock Make Children First–StafffromCommunityandLeisureServicesandtheSurreyPublicLibraryparticipateintheMakeChildrenFirstcoalition.MakeChildrenFirstisacommunitypartnership,involvingover50differentcommunityandgovernmentagencies,focusedonthehealth,well-beingandlearningofchildrenuptoagesix.

Child & Youth-Friendly Staff Committee–StafffromSocialPlanning,SurreyPublicLibrary,CommunityandLeisureServicesandtheCommunity-SchoolsPartnershipInitiativemeeteveryfewmonthstoshareinformationandensurethatstrategiesandactivitiesarecoordinatedandcollaborative.

•

•


Community Development & Diversity

Surreyisadynamiccommunityofdiverseneighbourhoods.Whilegrowthandprosperityareevident,itremainsachallengetoensurethatallresidentsbenefitfromandhaveasayinthedecisionsthataffectthequalityoftheirlivesandtheircommunity,andarenotmarginalisedbyincome,languageorphysicalaccess.

Intermsofincome,datafromthe2001Censusindicatesthat18%ofSurreyhouseholdshaveanincomebelowtheStatisticsCanadalowincomecut-off(LICO).LICOisthe“incomethresholdbelowwhichafamilywilllikelydevotealargershareofitsincomeonthenecessitiesoffood,shelterandclothingthantheaveragefamily”andisanindicatoroftheextenttowhichafamilyislesswell-offthanothers.ThereisincomedisparitybetweenSurreyneighbourhoods:theLICOfigureis33%inCityCentreandonly8%inSouthSurrey(2001Census).

Surrey’sculturaldiversityisevidentinthelanguageandfacesofitsresidents.Intotal,43%ofthepopulationidentifiedalanguageotherthanEnglishastheirmothertongue,thefirstlanguagelearnedandstillunderstoodbyanindividual(2006Census).Punjabiisthedominantnon-officiallanguageandisthe

mothertonguefor19%ofSurreyresidents.Visibleminorities,definedasindividualsthatareneitherAboriginalnorCaucasian,accountedfor46%ofSurreyresidents.

SurreyhasasignificantAboriginalpopulation.In2006,oftheapproximately40,000peopleintheLowerMainlandwhoidentifiedthemselvesasAboriginal,7,500AboriginalpersonslivedinSurrey,withthelargestAboriginalpopulationintheWhalleyarea(2006Census).

Surrey’sforeign-bornpopulationhasincreasedfrom33%in2001to38%in2006.ThecommunitieswiththehighestnumberofimmigrantswereNewton,GuildfordandFleetwood,wherebetween41-45%oftheresidentswereforeignborn(2006Census).Incomparison,theimmigrantpopulationinSouthSurreywas24%.

Surreyreceivedthelargestnumberofgovernment-assistedrefugeesin2007,ascomparedwithotherMetroVancouvermunicipalities.Whilerelativelysmallinnumber,duetotheextremetraumaanddeprivationexperienced,theyarehighinneed.In2007,224government-assistedrefugeescametoSurrey,accountingfor27%ofthosearrivingintheLowerMainland.ThethreecountriesthatweretheplaceoforiginforthegreatestnumberofSurreyrefugeesin2007wereMyanmar,AfghanistanandSomalia(ImmigrantServicesSocietyofBC,RAPStatisticsforSurrey,2007).

43% of Surrey residents identify a language other than English

as their mother tongue


Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee Establishedin2007,themandateoftheMulticulturalAdvisoryCommitteeistoenhancemulticulturalharmonyandinterculturalcooperationintheCityofSurrey.TheCommitteeiscomposedofCouncilmembers,aswellascommunitymembersfromarangeofethnicbackgrounds.OneoftheCommittee’sprimaryactivitiesistohostSurrey’sfirstevermulti-culturalfestival:Fusion’08–ACatalystforCulturalSharing.TheFusionfestivalwillbeathree-dayoutdoorfestivalinJulythatwillbringtogetherthemusic,food,costumesanddanceofover40ofSurrey’sdistinctculturalgroups.


Mayor’s Task Force on Literacy and Early Childhood Development TheprovincialgovernmenthasastatedgoalofmakingBCthemostliteratejurisdictioninNorthAmericaby2010.TheMayor’sTaskForceonLiteracyandEarlyChildhoodDevelopmentwasestablishedinearly2007tomaketheareaofliteracyandearlychildhooddevelopmentafocalpointforCouncil,identifyingkeyconcernsandadvisingtheMayorandCouncilonhowtheCitycanaddressthisissue.TheTaskForceincludesmembersofCouncilandseniorstafffromtheSurreyPublicLibrary,SocialPlanning,Parks,RecreationandCulture,SchoolDistrict,andOfficeofEarlyChildhoodDevelopment,Learning&Care.

During2007theTaskForcesharedinformationonprogramsdeliveredbyitsmembersandheardpresentationsfromavarietyofagenciesthatprovideservicestoSurreyresidents.TheTaskForcealsoinitiatedtheprocesstodevelopaSurreyWhiteRockCommunityLiteracyPlan.FacilitatedbySurreyPublicLibraryandwithagrantfromLiteracyNow,theplanningprocessiscurrentlyunderway.Itwillcreateaninventoryofagenciesthatofferliteracybasedprograms,enhancethesharingofinformationamongliteracyserviceprovidersandidentifygapsinserviceinSurreyandWhiteRock.Buildingonexistingprogramsandservices,aplanwillbepreparedtoaddressimportantgapsinservice–itwillrespondtoliteracyneedsofallages,AboriginalandnewCanadianresidentsofSurreyandWhiteRock.


Parks, Recreation and Culture

TheCityhassoughttoengageSurrey’sdiversecommunitybyfacilitatingthedevelopmentofaccessibleandinclusiverecreationopportunities.ThroughInterculturalOutreachServicesfundedbytheSocialPlanbudget,currentandongoinginitiativestoprovideaccesstoservicesforthoseexperiencingbarriersduetoage,ethnicorigin/immigrantsettlement,language,physical/mentalabilityorsocio-economicstatusinclude:

InterculturalandYouthOutreachCoordinator–Apart-timecoordinatorworksinpartnershipwithinternalandexternalcommitteestoofferopportunitiesforSurrey’sdiversecommunity.

•

Languageaccessibility–SocialPlanfundingwasusedin2007toreachouttotheSouthAsiancommunityinNewton.MultilingualfacilityattendantswerehiredfortheNewtonWavePoolandhealthandwellnessworkshopswereheldattheGuruNanakNivasTempleSeniorCentreinPunjabiandHindi.

DialogueonRacism–IncollaborationwithSurreyDeltaLangleyInterculturalCouncil(SDLIC),afacilitateddiscussionondiversitywasheldonMarch21,2007atKwantlenUniversityCollegetorecognisetheInternationalDayforEliminationofRacialDiscrimination.

•

•

�0 Action Plan for the Social Well-Being of Surrey Residents

TheLibraryinvitesnewCanadianstovisitthebranchestomakeuseofthemanyresourcesavailabletothemfreeofcharge,learnmoreabouttheirnewhomelandandtakepartinLibraryprogramssuchas:

“StorytimestoHelpLearnEnglish”,anewprogramlaunchedtohelpchildrenandtheircaregiverslearnabouttheLibraryandtodevelopconfidenceintheirEnglishlanguageabilities.

One-to-onetutorialsandclassesthatprovidebasiccomputerliteracyskillsinEnglish,PunjabiandMandarin.

ImprovedservicesformulticulturalresidentsthroughthepurchaseofPressDisplay(adatabaseofonlinenewspapersavailablein65languages),bettercollections,andprogramsinlanguagesotherthanEnglish.

•

•

•

ContinuedoutreachtotheChinesespeakingcommunitywithnumerousprogramsofferedinCantoneseandMandarininpartnershipwithSUCCESS.

Diversityencompassespeoplewithprintandlearningdisabilities.Tohelpaddresstheneedtomakeresourcesmoreaccessible,theLibraryinstalledworkstationswithspeechrecognitionandprintmagnificationsoftwareattheGuildfordandSemiahmooLibraries–staffmembersareavailabletoprovidetrainingandassistancetonewusersofthisadaptivetechnology.

•


2007-2008 Annual Report �1

Supporting Refugee and Immigrant Settlement in Surrey

Surrey,alongwithotherMetroVancouvercommunities,isexperiencingrapiddemographicchangethroughimmigrationandmigration.Whilethefederalandprovincialgovernmentshaveresponsibilityforimmigrationandsettlementservices,theCityofSurreyhaspartneredwithboththeProvinceandlocalagencies,toensurethatSurreyiswelcomingandsupportiveofnewCanadians,especiallythosewhohavearrivedinCanadaasrefugeesandsoarelikelytofacesignificantchallengesinovercomingpasttraumasandsettlingintoanewlifeinCanada.

Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Intergovernmental Committee

SinceJanuary2008,theCityofSurreyhasbeenparticipatingintheWelcomingandInclusiveCommunitiesIntergovernmentalSteeringCommittee.ConvenedbytheMulticulturalismandImmigrationBranchoftheBCMinistryofAttorneyGeneralandMinisterResponsibleforMulticulturalism,theCommitteeisanopportunityforfederal,provincialandmunicipalstaff,alongwithmunicipaladvisorycouncils,toactivelyconsiderthecurrentknowledge,

�� Action Plan for the Social Well-Being of Surrey Residents

understandingandprioritiesofBritishColumbiansaroundtheconceptof“welcomingcommunities”,inthecontextofmulticulturalismandimmigration.

TheIntergovernmentalCommitteehastwoprimarypurposes:(1)toinitiaterelevantforumsforlearninganddiscussion;and(2)toidentifyandguidetheimplementationofanynecessaryresearchandanalysis.

First Steps – Early Childhood Development Refugee Settlement Program

Inthepast,settlementserviceshaveprimarilyfocussedonsettlingimmigrantsandrefugeesasadultsandlabourforceentrants.Therehasneverbeenanexplicitstrategytosettlepreschool-agedchildren.FirstStepsisaninnovativeSurrey-basedpilotprojectdesignedtomeetthesettlementneedsofyoungrefugeechildrenfrombirthtofiveyearsold.Theintentionistoprovideanintensiveearlychildhooddevelopment(ECD)programthatwillminimizetheimpactoftraumaandtherefugeeexperienceonthegrowthanddevelopmentoftheyoungchildren,andfacilitatetheirsuccessfultransitionintomainstreamECDprogramsandkindergarten.

TheFirstStepsmodelwasdevelopedbyamulti-agencycollaborationinSurrey,ledbytheSurrey/WhiteRockOfficeofEarlyChildhood,Development,LearningandCare.TheBCMinistryofAttorneyGeneralandMinisterResponsibleforMulticulturalismagreedtobeamajorcontributingfunder($1.7million)oftheprojectonconditionthatotherlocalpartnerswerewillingtocontribute.InMarch2008,theCityofSurreycommitted$25,000peryearforthreeyearstotheFirstStepsproject.OtherfundersincludetheUnitedWayofthe

LowerMainland,VancouverFoundation,SurreySchoolDistrictandBCMinistryofChildrenandFamilyDevelopment.Thethree-yearFirstStepspilotprojectbegantogetunderwayinMay2008.

Refugee Housing Research Project

Securingadequateandaffordablehousingisanissueforlow-incomehouseholdsacrossMetroVancouver.Forrefugeefamilies,thisislikelytobeoneofthemoresignificantchallengestheyfaceintheirsettlementprocess.WhiletheCityofSurreyisawareofitsgrowingnumbersofrefugeefamilies,thereislittleinformationavailableabouttheneedsofthesenewresidents.

Inthepastyear,theCityofSurreyhasidentifiedtheneedforinformationaboutrefugeesinSurrey,andspecificallyabouthousingneeds.TheCityhasrecentlypartneredwithresearchersatImmigrantServicesSocietyandtheMetropolisBCCentreofExcellenceatUBCtodeveloparesearchproposalonrefugees’housingneedsinSurrey.Thepurposeoftheresearchistocreateanevidence-basethatwillinformprogramandpolicydevelopmentatboththelocalandprovinciallevels.TheCityofSurreyplanstoapproachBCHousingforresearchfunding.

2007-2008 Annual Report ��

Committees

CouncilandstaffareinvolvedinnumerouscommitteesrelatedtocommunitydevelopmentanddiversityissuesinSurrey,includingthefollowing:

Surrey Delta Langley Intercultural Council (SDLIC)–CommunityandLeisureServicesstaffparticipateontheSDLIC,acollaborativecommitteeofcommunityagenciesworkingtogethertoassesstheneedsofimmigrants,refugeesandmembersofculturalcommunitiesintermsoftheservicesavailabletotheminSurrey/Delta/Langley.TheSDLICfacilitatesinitiativesaimedatimprovingtheaccessibilityofservicesandthe

•

enhancementofimmigrantandrefugeecommunitiesintheregion.Themandatealsoentailspromotinganti-racismactivitiesandworkingtowardsdiverseandvibrantcommunitiesatlarge.

Diversity Action Team (DAT) – AninternalParks,RecreationandCulturedepartmentalcommitteebroughttogethertocollaborateonissuesregardingdiversity.ItiscomprisedofrepresentativesfromAdministration/Marketing,ArtsServices,CommunityDevelopmentServices,CommunityandLeisureServices,HeritageServicesandParks.

•


Inter-Municipal Diversity Committee (IMDC) –AcommitteemadeupofLowerMainlandmunicipal/provincialpublicserviceproviderswhoshareideasrelatingtothechallengesandopportunitiesofgrowth.MembershipconsistsoftheCityofBurnaby,CityofRichmond,CityofNewWestminster,CityofCoquitlam,CityofSurrey,NorthVancouverRecreationCommissionandBCHousing.

Metro Vancouver Social Issues Subcommittee –SocialplanningstaffrepresenttheCityontheSocialIssuesSubcommittee.

Vibrant Surrey –VibrantSurrey’smissionistoencourageandfacilitatecollaborativeeffortstoreducepovertyandissuesrelatedtopoverty,therebyenhancingthequalityoflifeforallwhocallSurreyhome.TheCityofSurreyisamemberofVibrantSurrey.

Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy (GVUAS) –TheGVUASwasestablishedinresponsetotheserioussocialandeconomicconditionsfacingurbanAboriginalpeopleinMetroVancouver.TheCityofSurreyhasbeenrepresentedontheGVUASSteeringCommitteebyaPlanningstaffmember.

South Fraser Aboriginal Child and Youth Coalition Committee –ThisnewCoalitionwasestablishedinMay2008.UndertheleadershipofKla-how-eya,itsmissionistobringtogethercommunitypartnerstopromoteandstrengthenAboriginalchildrenandyouthtoliveholisticlives.SocialPlanningisinvolvedinthedevelopmentofthisCommittee.

•

•

•

•

•

Surrey Settlement Services Co-ordinating Committee – ThisCommitteewasformedinthefallof2007.ItisfacilitatedbySurreySchoolDistrictstaff,andbringstotogethersettlementservicesprovidersfor:informationsharing;establishingprotocolsandprocessesforco-ordinatedservices;sharingpromisingpractice;jointtraining;monitoring/analysingtrendsandemergingissues;publiceducation;advocacy;andactingasanadvisorygrouptotheDistrictonsettlementissues.SocialPlanning,CommunityandLeisureServicesandSurreyPublicLibrarystaffmembersparticipateonthisCommittee.

•


ThePlanfortheSocialWell-BeingofSurreyResidentsidentifiedsignificantgapsinthesocialhousingcontinuuminSurrey.ThePlanestimatedaneedforanadditional125-150emergencyshelterbeds,300additionaltransitionhousingunits,200additionalsupportivehousingunitsand5,000additionalnon-marketaffordablehousingunitstoadequatelyandsafelyhouseSurrey’shomelessandat-riskpopulations.RespondingtothesehousingneedshasbeenapriorityfortheCityofSurreysincetheSocialPlanwasadoptedin2006.

Accordingtothe2006census,about38%ofrenterhouseholdsinSurrey(12,350households)areclassifiedasbeingin“corehousingneed”.Householdsincorehousingneedarelivinginhousingwhichiscrowdedorinpoorconditionand/orwheretheirhousingcostsareinexcessof30percentoftheirgrosshouseholdincome.

Approximately4,500Surreyhouseholdsarehomelessorat-riskofhomelessness.Thisincludesanestimated:

Homelesspopulationof386(preliminaryresultsfromthe2008GreaterVancouverHomelessCount)

4,085renterhouseholdsthatareconsideredat-riskofbecominghomeless(2001Census)

OfSurrey’srenterhouseholdsat-riskofhomelessness(inneedandpayingatleasthalfoftheirincomeonhousing),51%arefamilies,34%arenon-family/non-seniors,and15%areseniors(2001Census).

•

•

Housing & Homelessness

The Surrey Homelessness and Housing Fund and new partnerships

with BC Housing are providing “made in Surrey” solutions to

homelessness and housing issues


Surrey Homelessness and Housing FundInJune2007,CouncilapprovedtheestablishmentofanewSurreyHomelessnessandHousingFundtosupport“madeinSurrey”solutionstohomelessnessandhousingissuesintheCityofSurrey.ThisdecisionwasbasedonrecommendationsfromtheMayor’sTaskForceonHomelessnessandHousingthathaddeterminedthattheCity’sAffordableHousingReserveFundcouldmosteffectivelybeusedtoleverageseniorgovernmentandprivatedonationsifitwashousedinaprivatefoundation.Tominimizeadministrationcosts,theTaskForcerecommendedcreatingafundwithinanexistingfoundation,ratherthanestablishinganewfoundation.

The$9millioninfundsfromtheCity’sAffordableHousingReserveFundwereusedtoestablishtheSurreyHomelessnessandHousingFund.TheFundaimsto:

Providefundingtoinnovativeandhighimpactprojectsthataddresskeyprioritiesalongthecontinuumofneedsrelatingtohomelessnessandaccesstohousing.

Provideasourceofseedfundingthatleveragespublicandprivateinvestmentforthecreationand/orexpansionofhousingunitsandpreventativeandsupportservicesavailableinSurreycommunities.

Buildpartnershipswithalllevelsofcommunity,businessandgovernment.

Growthefund,byprovidingamechanismforprivatedonorstomakecharitabledonations.

•

•

•

•


TheSurreyHomelessnessandHousingSocietywasestablishedtooverseetheFund.ItsBoardofDirectorswasappointedbyCouncilandconsistsoftwoCouncilmembersalongwithrepresentativesofbusinessanddevelopmentinterests,thefaithcommunity,labour,thenon-profitsectorandthecommunityat-large.TheVancityCommunityFoundationwasselectedtohousetheSurreyHomelessnessandHousingFund.

ApubliceventwasheldonApril1,2008toofficiallylaunchthenewSurreyHomelessnessandHousingFundandaCallforLettersofIntentfromnon-profitorganisationsforaone-time,$1milliongrant.Withthisinitialaward,theSocietyislookingtofundaboldandinnovativeprojectthatwillofferasolutiontohomelessnessinSurrey.Thesuccessfulprojectandrecipientofthe$1millionawardwillbeannouncedinthefallof2008.Inthecomingmonths,theBoardofDirectorsoftheSurreyHomelessnessandHousingSocietywillbeengagedinastrategicplanningprocessthatwillincludeidentifyingfuturefundingprioritiesandstrategiesforgrowingtheFund.

Partnership with BC HousingInMarch2008,theCityofSurreysignedaMemorandumofUnderstanding(MOU)withBCHousingtowardtheestablishmentofsupportivehousingunitsinSurrey.TheMOUappliestotwohousingprojectstobedevelopedonCity-ownedlandin2008.ItanticipatesadditionalsupportivehousingunitsinthefutureonothersitesintheCityofSurrey.

Thetwoprojectsbeingproposedfor2008are:

YWCAproject–A36-unitsupportivehousingprojectforsinglewomenwithdependentchildrenwhoarelivinginSurreyandareat-riskofhomelessnessorincorehousingneedwillbedevelopedinNewton.

ProvincialPartnershipProject–ThisprojectisdescribedintheCrimeandPublicSafetysection,laterinthisreport.

UnderthetermsofthepartnershipagreementwithBCHousing,theCityofSurreyhascommittedtoleasethetwositesatanominalratefor60yearsandtowaiveallmunicipaldevelopmentcostsandfees.Inaddition,thenon-profitsponsorsofthehousingprojectsmayapplyonanannualbasisforapropertytaxexemption.TheCityhasalsocommittedtoexpeditetheapprovalprocessforthesemuchneededhousingprojects.

BCHousingwillfundthepreconstructioncostsfortheYWCAandProvincialPartnershipprojects.CapitalandoperatingfundingwillbearrangedthoughBCHousingandmayincludeotherpartners.TheYWCAhascommitted$1milliontowardtheirproject.AllnewaffordablehousingfundedbyBCHousingistobecarbonneutralandisexpectedtoachieveLEEDGoldCertificationorequivalent.

•

•


Social Housing Projects in Surrey Inthelastyear,therehasbeenasignificantincreaseinthenumberofnewsocialhousingprojectsinSurrey.MostofthesearebeingfundedbyBCHousing,withsomefundingalsocomingfromthefederalgovernment’sHomelessnessPartneringInitiative.TheseprojectswillcontributetoaddressingthegapsidentifiedintheSocialPlan.

New Social Housing in Surrey 2006-2008Project Status Description

PhoenixCentre Openedin2007 Housingandsupportsformenrecoveringfromaddictions36transitionhousingunitsand28StabilizationandTransitionalLivingResidence(STLR)bedsEmploymentandeducationprogramsofferedon-siteOperatedbyPhoenixDrugandAlcoholRecoveryandEducationSociety

•

•

•

•

AllNationsYouthSafeHouse

Openedin2007 Safehouseforhomelessyouthaged16-18years6bedsOperatedbyKla-how-eya

•

••

MaxxineWrightCentre RezoningandDevelopmentPermitapplicationunderway

Housingandsupportsforat-riskwomenwhoarepregnantorparentingnewbabies12shorter-termtransitionalhousingsleepingunitswithsharedcookingfacilitiesand24longer-termtransitionalhousingunitsHealthservicesandchildcareofferedon-siteOperatedbyAtiraWomen’sResourceSociety

•

•

••

Cwenengitel Duplexpurchasedin2008 HousingandsupportsforAboriginalmenrecoveringfromaddictions12bedsProgramwaspreviouslyrunoutofarentedhousethatprovided6bedsOperatedbyCwenengitelAboriginalSociety

•

••

•

ElizabethFry Carefacilitypurchasedin2008

Housingandsupportsforwomenrecoveringfromaddictions10StabilizationandTransitionalLivingResidence(STLR)bedsProgramwaspreviouslyrunoutofarentedhousethatprovided6bedsOperatedbyTheElizabethFrySocietyofGreaterVancouver

•

•

•

•


PetersonPlace Motelpurchasedin2008 Housingandsupportsformenandwomenwithmentalhealthandaddictionsissuesandaffordablehousingformenandwomenwhoarehomelessorat-riskofhomelessness12-15housingunitsforpeoplewithmentalhealthandaddictionsissuesand39unitsofrentalhousingforpeopleintransitionMentalhealthcomponentwaspreviouslyrunoutofarentedmotelOperatedbyFrasersideCommunityServices

•

•

•

•

YWCAProject MOUbetweenCityofSurreyandBCHousinginMarch2008.

Housingandsupportsforsinglewomenwithdependentchildrenwhoarehomelessorat-riskofhomelessnessProjectwith36apartmentunitswillbedevelopedonCity-ownedlandOperatedbytheYWCAVancouver

•

•

•

ProvincialPartnershipProject

MOUbetweenCityofSurreyandBCHousinginMarch2008

Healthservicesandhousingformenandwomenrecoveringfromaddictions.Projectwith32StabilizationandTransitionalLivingResidence(STLR)bedsand40supportivehousingunitswillbedevelopedonCity-ownedlandFacilitywillalsoincludea25bedsoberingcentreandanaddictionsandmentalhealthclinic.Housingwillbeoperatedbyanon-profitsponsor(tbd)

•

•

•

•

Kla-how-eyaProject BCHousingapprovedfundingin2007andprojectconceptdevelopmentisunderway

Supportivehousingforsinglesandfamilieswhoarehomelessorat-riskofhomelessnessProjectwith30housingunitswillbedevelopedOperatedbyKla-how-eya

•

••

Bonus Density PolicyBonusdensityisanincentive-basedtooldesignedtoencouragedeveloperstoprovideaffordablehousingunits,othercommunityamenitiesorcash-in-lieu.Overthepastyear,theCitydevelopedanInterimBonusDensitypolicyfortheCityCentreandGuildfordTownCentreareas.Inresponsetotheconcernsoflandownersanddevelopers,theoriginalOctober2007policywasrevisedinFebruary2008toprovideaphasing-inperiod.


Councilandstaffareinvolvedonthefollowingcommitteesrelatedtohousingandhomelessnessissues:

Metro Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness (RSCH)–PlanningstaffrepresenttheCityofSurreyontheRSCH.TheCommitteeisacoalitionofcommunityorganisationsandalllevelsofgovernmentwithamission“toinspireandleadaco-ordinatedresponsetohomelessnessintheregion.”

Metro Vancouver TAC Housing Subcommittee–SocialPlanningstaffrepresenttheCityontheHousingSubcommittee.

Surrey Homelessness and Housing Task Force (SHHTF)–TheSHHTFhasbeenactiveinSurreyforoverfiveyears.Itisamulti-sectoralgroupwhosemembershipincludesrepresentativesofcommunity

•

•

•

agencies,faithgroups,businessandgovernment.ACouncilmemberandSocialPlanningstaffparticipateontheTaskForce.InMay2008,theSHHTFwasawardeda$20,000grantfromtheVancityCommunityFoundationtosupportitsactivities.(Vancityalsoawardeda$5,000granttotheSemiahmooPeninsulaHomelessandHousingRoundTable)ThesegrantsrepresentafundingcommitmentmadetotheCityofSurreybyVancityCommunityFoundationaspartoftheagreementrelatedtotheSurreyHomelessnessandHousingFund.

Committees


TheCityofSurreyreleaseditsCrimeReductionStrategy(CRS)inFebruary2007.Itisacomprehensivestrategythataddressestherootcausesofcrimethroughactionsineachofthefollowingfourstrands:

PreventandDeterCrime

ApprehendandProsecuteOffenders

RehabilitateandReintegrateOffenders

RealityandPerceptionsofCrime

TwoCRSprojects,anaddictionscentreandseniorsforumonelderabuse,arehighlightedbelow.FurtherinformationaboutthestrategyandactionstakenisavailableseparatelyaspartoftheCRSinitiative.

ThissectionalsoprovidesinformationaboutactionsbeingtakenbyCitydepartmentstoaddresssafetyissues,aswellastoclean-upandbeautifythecity.

•

•

•

•

Crime & Public Safety


Addictions Centre

AprimaryfocusoftheCRSistheestablishmentofaCommunityCourtsysteminSurrey.TheCourtwouldfocusonoffenderswhosecrimesareaddictionsrelated.UnderaCommunityCourtsystem,anoffenderwouldbegivenasentencethatprovidesforanappropriatepunitivesentenceinadditiontoaperiodofaddictionstreatment.Ensuringthattherearesufficientaddictionstreatmentservicesandfacilities,sothatanyoffenderwhois“sentenced”totreatmentcanalwaysbedirectedtotreatment,isacriticalcomponentoftheCommunityCourtsystem.In2008,theCitycommittedtopartneringwiththeFraserHealthAuthorityandBCHousingtorespondtotheneedforadditionaladdictionstreatmentservicesandhousinginSurrey.

Asdiscussedpreviouslyinthisreport,inMarch2008theCityofSurreysignedaMemorandumofUnderstanding(MOU)withBCHousingforthedevelopmentofanewaddictionstreatmentfacility,the“ProvincialPartnershipProject”.

TheProvincialPartnershipProjectwillbedevelopedonaCity-ownedsiteadjacenttoSurreyMemorialHospital,thePhoenixCentreandthenewCreeksideWithdrawalManagementCentre(detoxfacility).The50,000squarefootfacilitywillservebothmalesandfemalesandinclude:

Addictionsandmentalhealthclinic

Soberingcentrethatcanaccommodate25people

32StabilizationandTransitionalLivingResidencebeds

40transitionalhousingunits

•

•

•

•

The Crime Reduction Strategy addresses root causes of crime through actions such as a new addictions centre and

a seniors forum on elder abuse


Focus on Seniors Forum

Theabuseofolderadults,orelderabuse,referstoanyactionsthatharmanolderpersonorjeopardizetheperson’shealthorwelfare.Abusecanbephysical,emotional,verbal,financial,sexualandspiritual.Itcanoccurinanyrelationshipwherethereisanexpectationoftrustorwhereapersonisinapositionofpowerorauthority.Canadianresearchindicatesthatbetween4%and10%ofolderadultsexperienceabuseorneglect,andabout80%ofitishiddenorgoesundetected.

AspartoftheCity’sCrimeReductionStrategy,andinresponsetoaspecificrecommendationintheSocialPlanonelderabuse,CouncilconvenedaCommitteeofCouncilmembers

andcommunitystakeholderstoidentifyactionstoraiseawarenessaboutthisimportantissue.WiththesupportoftheSurreyCrimePreventionSociety,theCommitteeorganisedthe“FocusonSeniorsForum”onJune14,2008.Thethemeoftheday-longeventforSurreyseniorswasabuse,neglectandself-neglect.Thisforumwillbethefirstinaseriesofcommunity-basedforumsonelderabuse.


City PartnershipsTheCityhaspartneredinanumberofyouthinterventionandengagementprograms,including:

Intervention,Refocus,ReflectandReintegrateProgram(“iR3”)–AschoolsuspensionprogramwaslaunchedinSeptember2007bytheSurreySchoolDistrictinpartnershipwiththeCityofSurrey,RCMP,SurreyFireDepartment,FraserHealthAuthorityandothercommunitystakeholders.TheiR3ProgramtargetsstudentsinGrades6through8whohavebeensuspendedforviolence,bullyingorpossessionofdrugs,alcohol

•

orweapons.Insteadofleavingthesuspendedstudentstotheirowndevicesduringtheperiodofsuspension,theyspendtimeatacommunitycentrelearningaboutconflictresolution,self-esteemandtherealitiesofdrugsandganglife.Thisprogramaimstoensuresuspendedchildrenandyouthareinvolvedinhealthy,alternativeactivitiesthatwillengagethemandsupporttheirreintegrationbackintoschoollife.

SurreyCommunityActionAssessmentNetwork(CANN)–In2007,youth-servingagenciesinSurrey,includingtheCity,

•


SchoolDistrict,RCMPandBCMinistryofChildrenandFamilyDevelopment,draftedplansforaCommunityActionAssessmentNetworkthattargetsyouthonthebrinkofgangactivity.Beginninginmid-2008,thenetworkwillassessat-riskyouthonanindividualbasisandthenprovideprogramoptionstodeterganginvolvementthatfiteachyouth’sspecificneeds,suchassportsprogramsorone-on-onementoring.

CommunityOutreachLedbyYouth(COLBY)–ThroughtheCommunityEngagementforCrimeReductioninitiativewithSimonFraserUniversity,theCityhassupportedthedevelopmentofayouthinitiatedprojectcalledCommunityOutreachLedbyYouth(COLBY).WithassistancefromtheCity’sYouthParticipationCoordinator,thisgroupofyoungpeopleundertookanoutreachprogramwhichrecognisesthatyouthengagebestwithotheryouthwhohavesharedexperiencesandbackgrounds.COLBYaimstobeapointofcontactforyouthat-risktoreachoutforsupportandinitiatechangeintheirlives.In2008,theCOLBYprogramwillbemigratedtotheauspicesofPacificCommunityResourcesSociety(PCRS),anon-profitorganisationinSurrey.

•

MobileYouthOutreachProgram(MoYO)–TheMobileYouthOutreachProgramisanoutreachprogramtoengageyouthintheirenvironmentandfostercommunityconnections.Travellingbybus,MoYOTeamsgooutintoSurreyParksandotherplacesfrequentedbyyouthtobuildrelationshipswithyouth,provideresourceinformationandencouragepositiveactivity.MoYObeganin2006whenPRCstaffdealingwiththeissueofunsupervisedyouthactivityinparksfoundcommoninterestwithothercommunityorganisationsworkingwithyouth.MoYOpartnersnowincludeSurreySchoolDistrict,OPTIONS,PCRS,CrescentBeachCommunityServices,RCMPandSafeSchools.Theprogramhasevolvedfromasix-weekpilotprojectgoingintotheparkslateatnightonthreeeveningsperweekinthesouthendofSurreytoawell-developedprogramthattargetsallofSurreyonfoureveningsperweekoversevenmonthsoftheyear.

•


Surrey Public LibraryInordertopromotesecurityforcustomersandstaff,theLibrarycontinueswithsecuritypatrolsinandaroundthebranches,includingparticipationinvolunteersecuritypatrolsintheNewtonarea.

WhalleyLibrarystaffparticipateincommunitypolicingmeetingsinanefforttoworktogethertoreducecrime.

Allnewstaffmembersparticipatein“ViolenceintheWorkplace”workshopstolearnstrategiesfordealingwithdifficultsituations.

•

•

City Clean-Up Programs and Civic Pride InitiativesCitydepartmentsmaintainon-goingprogramsandhaveimplementednewinitiativestobeautifythecommunityandpromotecivicpride.

TheEngineeringDepartmentholdsanannualCleanSweepWeekthatmakesuseofengineeringsummerstudents,Cityresources,andvolunteersinschoolsandcommunityandserviceclubs,toremovelitterandothermattersfromstreetsandparks.InitsAdopt-a-StreetProgram,Engineeringprovidesrecognitionstreetsignageandresourcesforlittercollectiontovolunteergroupsthat“adopt”aspecificsiteorsectionofroadandpledgetokeepitfreeoftrashanddebris.GraffitiandriparianareadebrisareremovedthroughcomponentsoftheNatureMattersProgram.Landscapedmediansarebeinginstalledaspartofarterialroadwideningprojectsandsectionsofolderhardsurfacemediansarebeingreplacedwithlandscapedmedians.

AspartoftheEnvironmentalExtraganza,theLibraryparticipatedintheCity’sCleanSweepprogramthatinvolvedstaffmembersandcustomersincleaninguptheareasaroundbranchlibraries.

In2007,theCitybudgetallocatednewresourcesforCityBeautification,includingforthehiringofaCityBeautificationCoordinatorandprogramsforinstallationofdecorativelightingandbanners,graffitimitigationandpublicart.

•

•

•


Supporting Seniors in Surrey

Whileaddressingseniors’issueswasnotpartoftheSocialPlan,thewell-beingofseniorsisanincreasinglyprominentconcern.Accordingtothe2006Census,thereareapproximately45,400peopleaged65andolderlivinginSurrey,accountingfor11%ofSurrey’spopulation.

Parks,RecreationandCultureoperatesSeniors’CentrefacilitiesinCloverdale,Fleetwood,Guildford,Newton,SouthSurreyandWhalley(SunrisePavilion),andonedrop-inSeniors’CentreatBearCreekPavilion.TheSeniors’Centresprovideaccesstoamyriadofservicesincludingpeercounselling(PeopleHelpingPeopleProgram),speakersonfinancialsecurityandfinancialfraud,andlegaladviceonwills.

TheSeniors’FunctionalTableinCommunityandLeisureServices(CLS)hasbeenholdingSafetyForumsforseniorsinpartnershipwithRCMPattheSeniors’CentresandRecreationCentres.CLSalsoprovidesthecommunitywithaSeniorsWellnessFaironceayearthatincludeshealth,wellnessandsafety,andpositiveleisureopportunitiesforseniors.Asdiscussedpreviouslyinthisreport,theCityofSurreyhostedaforumonelderabuseinJune2008.

Overthelastyear,PRChasheldculturaleventsforseniors(CaribbeanNightsandOktoberfestattracted130seniorsat

eachfunction)andincreasednutritionalopportunitiesforseniors,withGlobalCafélunchesandnewpartnershipswithbusinesstoprovideSoupDaysattheseniors’kitchens.

SocialPlanningisestablishingrelationshipswithcommunitydevelopersatFraserHealthAuthorityandcommunity-basedorganisationstohelpidentifypriorityissuesforseniorsinSurrey.Aprocessisunderwayamongstinterestedcommunitymemberstodevelopacollaborativeapproachtoplanningandcapacitybuildingforseniors,intheformofaCommunityPlanningTable.

The well-being of seniors is an increasingly prominent concern


Looking Ahead: Action Plan for �00�-�00�

TheActionPlanfortheSocialWell-BeingofSurreyResidentswasadoptedin2006asafive-yearplan.Inthecomingyear,theCitywillcontinuetobuildontheactionsofthepastyear.Inaddition,CitydepartmentswilltakeonnewprojectsthataddresstheSocialPlan’srecommendations,orrespondtoemergingsocialneedsandprioritiesinSurrey.

Parks, Recreation and Culture

CommunityandLeisureServices(CLS)looksforwardtoadditionalfundingtoexpandexistingprogramsandopportunitiesfor

preschoolers,children,youth,adultsandseniorsandsupporttoenhance,buildanddevelopmoreopportunitiesforcommunityprogramsandservices.

Throughthedevelopmentofnewandexistingpartnerships,CLSwillbuildandincreaseopportunitiesforparticipationbySurrey’sgrowinganddiversecommunity.

CLSwillbuildoncurrentopportunitiesandmeetcommunityneedsbyofferingaffordablerecreationalprogramsandservicesinallsixTownCentres.


Theareasoffocusoverthenextyearwillbein:

• EveryoneGetstoPlayprogramming

• Multilingualfacilityattendants

• YouthWeekinitiatives

• Childandyouthfriendlyprojects

• Youthengagementactivities

• After-schoolprogramming

• Diversityoutreachprogramming


TheLibrary’sStrategicPlanhasafocusondevelopingprogramsthatsupporttheliteracyneedsof‘middle-years’kids(aged6–12years).

Enhanceprogramsandservicesforteenlibrarycustomers.

ContinuetofacilitatethedevelopmentofaCommunityLiteracyPlan,inpartnershipwithotheragenciesandparticipateinyouthcommitteesbeingdevelopedinCityCentreandotherneighbourhoods.

•

•

•

ContinuetoactasoneofthepilotlocationsforLawMatters,inpartnershipwiththeCourthouseLibrary,tomakeaccesstolegalmaterialsandinformationbetterforcitizens.

ParticipateinthenationalInitiativeforEquitableLibraryAccessforpeoplewithprintandlearningdisabilities.

ImproveaccesstoinformationforNewCanadiansontheLibrarywebsite.

ImproveaccesstotheInternetbyparticipatingintheCitypilotprojectforwirelessaccessinlibrarybranches.

Plant25treesinHollandParkincelebrationoftheLibrary’s25thanniversaryandasabeautificationprojectinCityCentre.

•

•

•

•

•

City Departments will take on new projects that address the Social

Plan’s recommendations, or respond to emerging social needs in Surrey


Planning and Development

Inthecomingyear,SocialPlanningwillfocusitseffortsontwopolicyinitiatives:HousingActionPlanandChildandYouthFriendlyCity.

ThedepartmentisworkingonSurrey’sfirstHousingActionPlanwhichwillproactivelyrespondtoconcernsabouthousingaffordabilityinSurrey.Itwillassesscurrenthousingneeds,documenttheexistingmarketandnon-marketaffordablehousingstock,andidentifystrategiesformaintainingandincreasingthesupplyofaffordablemarketandnon-markethousinginSurrey.

Childandyouthfriendlycitiesarevibrantcommunitiesthatareexceptionalplacesforallgenerationstolive.ThegoaloftheChildandYouthFriendlyCitypolicieswillbeto

makeSurreyacitywhere:youngcitizensareexercisingtheirrighttoparticipatefullyintheircommunity;theviewsandbestinterestsofchildrenandyouthareconsideredindecision-making;andthehealthydevelopmentofallchildrenandyouthisactivelypromoted.

Policiesarebeingconsideredinthreeareas:

Policiesandpracticesthatsupportchildrenandyouths’voiceandparticipationinmunicipaldecision-makingprocesses;

Policiesfordevelopingachildandyouthfriendlyurbanenvironmentincludingcommunitydesign,housing,transportationandplacestoplay;and

Policiesrelatedtotheprovisionofservicesthatpromotepositivechildandyouthdevelopment.

•

•

•


Appendix A

Action Plan for the Social Well-Being of Surrey Residents: Overview of the ProcessTheSocialPlanwasdevelopedinApril2004throughFebruary2006.ItfocusedonfivethemesorsocialissueareasthatwereidentifiedasprioritiesbytheCityofSurrey:

ChildrenandYouth

CommunityDevelopmentandDiversity

CrimeandPublicSafety

HousingandHomelessness

SubstanceAbuseandAddictions

Throughanextensivecommunityconsultationprocess,thirtypriorityissueelementswereidentified,orfivetoeightelementsforeachofthefivethemeareas.TheSocialPlandividesthethirtyissueelementsintotwocategories:

FiveareissuesforwhichtheCityhasprimaryresponsibility–Stage1ActionPlan

Twenty-fiveareissuesforwhichtheCityhaslimited,secondaryornoresponsibility-Stage2ActionPlan

Forthe25issueelementsforwhichtheCityhaslimited,secondaryornoresponsibility,theSocialPlanidentifiesthreeprimaryrolesthattheCitycanplayinfacilitatingsolutions.

Understanding:theissuesbyacquiringandmaintainingknowledge.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Advocating:toseekresolutiontoissuesintheCityofSurreybysharinginformation,discussingneeds,assistingindevelopingsolutionsandestablishingprioritieswithotherordersofgovernment,fundersandcommunitystakeholders.

Supporting:theimplementationofsolutionstosocialserviceissuesthroughactionsthatarewithintheCity’smandatedresponsibilities.Suchactionsmayincludedevelopinglocationalguidelinesforsocialservicefacilities;establishingsuitablezoningtoaccommodateneededfacilitiesandprograms;orprovidingseedmoney/resourcesforprojectsthataddressasocialservicegap.

ThePlanfortheSocialWell-BeingofSurreyResidentswasintendedtobeactionoriented.ThePlanincludesatotalofapproximately65recommendedactionstoaddressthethirtypriorityissueelements,bothintheshorterandlongerterm.

•

•

Plan for the Social Well-Being of Surrey Residents: Priority Social Issues

Social Issue AreasPriority Issue Elements – City has

primary responsibility

Priority Issue Elements – City has limited, secondary or no

responsibility

Children&Youth CreatingaChild&Youth-FriendlyCityProgramsandRecreationforChildren&Youth

•

•

CulturallyAppropriateEarlyChildhoodEducation/DevelopmentProgramsAffordable,AccessibleQualityLicensedChildcare,PreschoolProgramsandFamilyResourceProgrammingChildPovertyAlleviationCounsellingandSupportServicesforFamiliesandChildrenwithBehaviouralandMentalHealthandAttachmentIssues

•

•

••

CommunityDevelopment&Diversity

InitiativestoEncourageCitizenEngagementwithSocialIssuesandSocialPlanningActivityEthnoandCulturallyAppropriateServices,OpportunitiesandProgramming

•

•

PublicTransportationandAccessLifeSkillsandEducationalTrainingCommunityEconomicDevelopmentInitiativesNutrition&FoodPrograms

••••

Crime&PublicSafety CityClean-UpPrograms&CivicPrideInitiatives

• InitiativestodealwithSeniorsAbuseInitiativestodealwithFamilyViolencePeerSupportProgramstoDeterCrimeInitiativesTargetingGangs,Gang-ViolenceandrelatedCriminalActivity

••••

Housing&Homelessness

EmergencyShelterServicesforYouthEmergencyShelterServicesforAdults(yearround);AlsoforAboriginalAdultsTransitionalHousingServicesSupportedHousingProgramsLowIncomeHousingfortheHomeless,FamiliesandSinglesServicesCoordinationResponsibilitiesOutreachProgramstotheHomeless,YouthOutreachandDrop-InCentreEmploymentProgramsasaMeanstoPreventHomelessness

••

•••

••

•

SubstanceAbuse&Addictions

ResidentialAddictionTreatmentforYouthsRecoveryTreatmentServicesOutreach&SupportProgramsforAt-Risk&SubstanceUsersAlcohol&DrugTreatmentforYouthsPrenatalEducation&SupportProgramre:DrugUse

•••

••

Social Plan_2007-2008

Documents

Transcript of Social Plan_2007-2008