Funds for public safety
Fri, December 14 2007
By Mata Press Service
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Surrey City Councillor Tom Gill |
Gill, the first and only Indo-Canadian elected to the City Council, said in a media release that next year’s proposed budget is “all about investing in our city and citizens.”
“The budget demonstrates our commitment to enhancing public safety, and ensuring safeguards are in place to protect our environment in terms of sustainability,” adds the press statement. “We have taken significant steps in ensuring our transportation infrastructure will be maintained over the long run.”
Gill also said that the city is “making significant capital investments in our parks and recreational opportunities that will provide much needed resources to our youth and seniors.”
“Surrey is a great City and I want to participate in making it better. I want to see an end to violence, opportunities for youth at risk, a stronger community and continued strong fiscal leadership.”
Surrey Finance General Manager Vivien Wilke told The Asian Pacific Post that under the proposed 2008 budget, a 2.9 per cent increase in taxes will pay for public safety improvements. “We have conducted surveys and public announcements on this matter to explain the need to implement such tax increases.”
“For the average single family dwelling valued at $497,400, this amounts to an increase of $32.70.”
In addition, a one per cent levy — which amounts to $11.28 increase — would be dedicated to local road maintenance and traffic safety measures such as speed bumps and traffic circles. “We are building the foundation for a diverse, world class city here in Surrey,” Gill said.
The city’s investment in public safety for 2008 includes the creation of new positions such as 22 new police officers, including 10 community safety officers, three new firefighters and a new Bylaw officer.
Under the crime reduction strategy, a $450,000 budget is allocated for community court, $375,000 for the community safety officers and $300,000 for the purchase and installation Closed Circuit TV.
For its sustainability office, three new positions including manager, environmental technologist and economic researcher will be funded with a $200,000 budget allocation.
Councillor Gill believes that Council should support all citizens and reflect the diversity of his multicultural City, be fiscally responsible and serve the needs of families and children.
Surrey will also be banking on capital projects for both ongoing infrastructure and transportation projects such as investment in upgrading and maintaining infrastructure with $43 million budget and another $1.7 million for roads and traffic safety.
Gill also disclosed that the Bear Creek Park Pavilion will undergo expansion – which represents a significant investment for senior citizens – with a $375,000 budget, and that the design and construction of the $22.6 million Cloverdale Multi-Purpose Centre will begin this year.
Surrey also allocated $1.5 million for Art Space and $1.9 million for Civic Square, while the city is still awaiting a Spirit Square funding announcement from the Province.
In the youth sector, the city is funding athletic fields and facilities such as the $3 million Hjorth Road Park, $2 million artificial turf fields and $950,000 sports field upgrades.
Surrey residents will also be enjoying the upgrading of Cloverdale Main Street (176 Street) with $1 million budget allotment for enhancements of its sidewalk, lighting, boulevard landscaping and more importantly, $50.3 million budget for parks acquisition and development.
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