Big cities tackle big issues
Metrovalley Newspaper Group - Surrey Leader
November 21, 2006

EXCERPT

Most people see strong economic growth in a city as an enviable situation and associate it with a prosperous and a vibrant community.

And while that is certainly the case in Surrey, certain groups in the community are struggling with poverty, its attendant social problems, and a lack of resources designed to meet their needs.

"When a city grows and develops as fast as we have, we see the homeless population grow. We see more prevalence of drug use, and see more people with mental health issues," says Mayor Dianne Watts.

"As we grew and developed as fast as we have, we had to make sure our social infrastructure kept pace, and unfortunately we've lagged behind in that area over the past number of years."...

One way Surrey has become more proactive is by establishing a social plan. Adopted in February, the plan outlines how the city will deal with problems such as homelessness and addiction in coming years.

It took an inventory of the city's social services - in particular those provided by senior levels of government - to determine where the gaps are.

And although the city doesn't have a primary financial role to play in the delivery of those services, through an understanding of the issues, it can advocate for solutions.

The city also allocated funds for two full-time social planners in its last budget.

The planners' job will be to work with council, community organizations and various levels of government to ensure Surrey's social infrastructure catches up with its growth.

Some of the main gaps and services needed to bridge them identified in the social plan included: the provision of youth services including early childhood education and affordable child care; addiction services such as alcohol and drug treatment for youth, or outreach and support services for addicts; community development initiatives which included better transit, as well as enhanced food bank services, and nutrition and food programs....