Vital Signs Report Shows Much to Celebrate, Much to Be Done

Surrey, BC (October 7, 2014): The Vital Signs 2014 report issued today by Surrey Cares and the Surrey Board of Trade shows the City of Surrey is on the right track in managing its growth, and also serves to reinforce the very issues Surrey First candidates have pointed to as priorities as the city grows.

The report serves as a barometer of where Surrey’s residents stand on important issues affecting its residents.

It points to an 11 per cent drop in crime over the past five years, especially in the areas of violent crime (down 37 per cent), youth crime (down 37 percent) and vehicle theft (down 20 per cent).

It also points out after-tax household incomes are increasing, and that 84 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the direction of the city.

The report also points out that improvements in transit, public safety and economic development are important to Surrey residents.

“The report shows we have a lot to celebrate in Surrey, but we’ve still got work to do,” noted Linda Hepner, Surrey First’s mayoral candidate. “We’re definitely making progress, but a growing city is also going to have to address important issues such as transit and public safety. While the statistics show crime is down in Surrey, the report notes that public safety remains top of mind among our residents.

“It’s also worth noting that some of these issues are beyond the city’s purview, but we still believe it’s important to advocate for improved services in areas such as education and transportation. So, the report is valuable in highlighting the progress we’re making, and reinforcing issues Surrey First has already identified as priorities going forward.”

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