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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
On behalf of City Council, it is my pleasure to present the
2016 Annual Report for the City of Surrey.
The City of Surrey continues to maintain a healthy
financial status as a result of its strong commitment
to transparency and accountability. Prudently managed
financial procedures and control systems have ensured
that our assets and interests remain secure investments,
which results in sound financial stewardship, and steady
delivery of city operations and service delivery.
As a growing city with over 500,000 residents, Surrey is British Columbia’s second
largest metropolitan centre. A definite sign of economic confidence in Surrey is the
continued strong interest in commercial and residential investment. In 2016, the
value of building permits topped $1.46 billion. That number is the highest since the
economic downturn of 2008 and marks the sixth year in a row Surrey has hit the billion
plus dollar mark. As Surrey continues to flourish, we continue to invest back into our
city with infrastructure improvements such as the full conversion of street lamps to
energy efficient LED. Once completed, the LED conversion will result in $2 million in
annual savings in reduced power consumption and maintenance costs. Other 2016
accomplishments include an updated Sustainability Charter, to guide city growth with a
viable sustainable vision and consideration of long-term impacts. We continue to move
forward in bringing Light Rail Transit (LRT) to Surrey. The 27-km network of high-quality,
street-level transit infrastructure will further shape the growth of Surrey’s vibrant,
accessible, and sustainable communities.
I am pleased to report that our Finance & Technology Department received the
Canadian Award for Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers
Association of the United States and Canada for the nineteenth consecutive year. This
commitment to steadfast financial stewardship ensures that our assets and interests
remain secure investments for residents and businesses as we move into the future.
City Council remains committed to ensuring that Surrey’s strong financial state
is meticulously maintained, while continuing to foster a progressive, livable and
sustainable city.
Sincerely,
Linda Hepner
Mayor
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