City of Surrey's Annual Financial Report 2021

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 including:

BYLAW ENFORCEMENT, COMPLIANCE & LICENSING The Bylaw Enforcement, Compliance & Licensing 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 and parking enforcement. With focus on a proactive approach, enforcement staff focus on working with property owners to gain compliance for safety, maintenance, beautification and livability issues within the community. 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). HR administers programs for City staff and supports open communication and respectful workplace relationships throughout the City. Human Resources staff partner with other departments to foster a safe, desirable and engaging workplace that enables the City to attract the best, develop and retain our people. 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, and provide a high-quality of life, now and in the future.

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. 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. LEGISLATIVE SERVICES Legislative Services is responsible for ensuring the City conducts business in accordance with all levels of government legislation, including responding to requests for information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Legislative Services is also responsible for 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.

2 0 2 1 A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S • Expanded staff awareness and education of the diversity of Surrey and strengthened our inclusiveness through a variety of initiatives and events. In total, 34 key cultural events and important awareness days were recognized in 2021. • Developed a staff survey to gain insights into our workforce's diversity and inform the creation of the City's Workplace Diversity and Inclusion strategy. • Provided support for the creation of the Surrey Police Department, in the areas of human resources, information technology, privacy, records management requests for information under FIPPA, and legal services.

• Implemented security technologies and projects that have improved the overall security resilience of the City, including several recommendations from a security audit conducted by a third party. Mandatory cybersecurity training for staff continues to raise awareness of the daily risks of related attacks on our systems and information. • Reviewed and evaluated best practice methodology in physical and operational security to ensure City facilities are provided with current, effective security systems and programs, and in 2021 all CCTV systems across the City were upgraded and put onto a City network to improve service availability and public safety outcomes.

• Established and implemented a pandemic plan for council and committee meetings to ensure meetings were held in compliance with the Provincial Health Officer’s orders and to ensure the safety of staff, Council and members of the public. • Bylaw Enforcement Officers referred 71 abandoned properties to the Fire Services Team in 2021. 34 properties were subsequently demolished.

9