Surrey Council improves public input through establishment of Select Committees

Surrey, B.C. – Surrey Council approved the establishment of 7 Select Committees during its Regular Council Meeting on Monday. Select Committees are established by Council and are typically comprised of Council members (acting as a Member or Chair) and residents. Their mandate is to provide information and make recommendations to Council on issues of concern to the public and the City.

“The establishment of the Select Committees will ensure our residents have a voice and input into city decisions,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “I am especially pleased that we brought back the Public Safety Committee, which was dissolved by the previous Council. Together with the other Select Committees established, there will now be more transparency and public engagement that will help the City enhance the overall well-being of our residents.”

Council supported the establishment of the following Select Committees of Council on Monday:

• Agricultural and Food Policy Committee
• Environment and Climate Change Committee
• Investment, Innovation and Business Committee 
• Livability and Social Equity Committee
• Public Safety Committee
• Arts and Culture Advisory Committee
• Parks, Recreation and Tourism Advisory Committee

In late 2022, staff initiated a solicitation process to recruit volunteers interested in participating as Members of one or more of the above Select Committees. Interested persons are required to submit applications by Jan. 20, 2023. Following the deadline, staff will present a list of volunteer candidates to Council to consider for subsequent appointments.

Subsequent Council appointments to these committees at a future Council meeting will enhance Council's ability to support the current and future economic, social and environmental well-being of its residents. Click here to read the report.