City of Surrey's 2023 Annual Financial Report

CITY OF SURREY OVERVIEWS CORPORATE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Corporate Services Department delivers high quality and efficient services to our customers through a spirit of innovation and team collaboration. The department consists of key areas of our organization that support the overall core deliverables of the City.

BYLAW SERVICES The Bylaw Services Division is responsible for the enforcement of the City's regulatory bylaws, the issuance of business licenses, animal control functions, operation of the Surrey Animal Resource Centre (SARC) and parking enforcement. HUMAN RESOURCES Human Resources (HR) provides a broad range of services and programs to both internal and external clients, including labour and employee relations; recruitment and retention; performance coaching; employment services; compensation and benefits; occupational health and safety; diversity; wellness; training and development; organizational change support; and managing the Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS). LEGAL SERVICES Legal Services is responsible for providing legal services to City Council and all of the City’s departments. The City’s solicitors serve as court counsel, provide legal advice and render legal opinions on a wide variety of matters along with drafting and reviewing all forms of legal and legislative documentation associated with the business of the City.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Information Technology (IT) is a strategic partner across all City business units to provide modern, innovative, secure, and reliable technology solutions for the purpose of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of all City staff by streamlining internal operations and processes and leveraging technology to deliver improved services for citizens and businesses. The division’s decisions reflect existing and future plans that align with the strategic objectives of the City, utilizing industry best practices in enterprise architecture principles, sustainability, and sound project and financial management. LEGISLATIVE SERVICES Legislative Services is responsible for ensuring the City conducts business in accordance with all levels of government legislation. This division is also responsible for carrying out the statutory responsibilities of the Corporate Officer as legislated under the Community Charter and providing direct services to City Council, City departments and the public. Administrative support is given to Council and to the various committees and boards on which Council members sit. Legislative Services also coordinates and conducts the municipal elections every four years to elect the City’s Mayor and Council.

2023 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Fostered staff awareness of the diversity of Surrey and strengthened inclusiveness through a variety of initiatives and events, recognizing 34 key cultural events and awareness days • Delivered a Human Rights & Respectful Workplace eLearning module • Implemented a comprehensive action plan and obtained the WorkSafeBC Certificate of Recognition that recognizes and rewards safe work practices • Securely shredded and recycled 65 metric tonnes of paper • Took in 1,300 animals through SARC, reuniting 345 animals with their owners and assisted in finding new homes for 400 animals in 2023 year • Targeted enforcement towards unsightly properties throughout the City

• Expanded City-owned fibre optic cabling covering approximately 1,700 metres for the coordinated placement of District Energy conduit • Updated the Land Management Online Permitting Portal with new features including Plumbing Permits, Electrical Permits, Building Inspection Requests and Cross Connection Control data management services • Expanded the City’s online service capabilities, including launching a new Water Meter Special Read Request service, online ticketing sales services for Historic Stewart Farms, Bear Creek Park Lighting and Santa pictures • Undertook enforcement through the Illegal Construction Enforcement Team and followed up with subsequent prosecution throughout the city (10 court injunctions)

• Surrey was the first City in Canada to launch an online virtual waiting room for PRC programs and activities online registrations that delivered an improved experience for customers and effectively managed high demand during seasonal peak registration days • Saw increase of sign-ups for MySurrey Accounts, with 48,062 new users in 2023 (30% increase from 2022) for a total of 190,503 current accounts • Re-established the Ethics Commissioner Office and Surrey City Development Corporation • Created bylaw bike patrol working in conjunction with the police to increase visibility in high demand areas • Oversaw the seizure of over $365,000 of illegal fireworks through the Fireworks Interdiction Program

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