Surrey, BC – The City of Surrey has officially launched the Development Inquiry Assistant (DIA), an innovative AI-powered chatbot designed to provide citizens with instant and accurate answers to their questions about renovating, building, and development.
The full launch follows the successful pilot version of DIA released earlier this year on April 9, 2024. During the pilot phase, DIA focused on select permit types to raise awareness about the permitting process and improve the quality of applications submitted by residents.
“This milestone launch demonstrates the City’s continued commitment to service excellence,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Using artificial intelligence, we are making it easier for citizens to access information about the permitting process at their fingertips. I would like to acknowledge staff for their efforts and work on continuously improving this tool since the pilot launch. This is a leap forward in leveraging technology to better serve our community.”
The DIA chatbot is part of Surrey’s ongoing effort to streamline services, enhance accessibility, and improve user experience for residents and developers. By harnessing AI technology, the tool offers timely responses to inquiries about development, renovations, and permit applications, reducing delays and enhancing understanding of city processes.
With this launch, the City of Surrey continues to position itself as a leader in adopting innovative technologies to improve communication, efficiency, and service delivery.
For more information or to access the Development Inquiry Assistant, visit the City of Surrey’s official website.