Surrey, BC – In a move aimed at improving the city’s development processes, Mayor Brenda Locke has proposed the creation of a Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force. The proposal will be put to a vote during the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, where the Surrey City Council will decide whether to move forward with the initiative. The task force is seen as a key part of the city’s preparation for future growth, with Surrey’s population expected to reach one million by 2042.
“With Surrey projected to reach a population of one million people by 2042, it is essential that our development processes adapt to cater to the needs of our community during this transformative period,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. She emphasized that the task force would reduce bureaucratic hurdles, incorporate technology, and implement best practices to streamline municipal development and permitting. “We’re committed to creating a system that not only supports our housing goals but also promotes sustainable and efficient practices. By shifting from a regulatory mindset to one of facilitation, we can better support our developers and, ultimately, our residents,” Locke added.
The Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force will be responsible for evaluating existing procedures, identifying bottlenecks, and exploring opportunities for innovation and automation. The task force will include two City Council members as Chair and Co-Chair, representatives from the Planning & Development and Engineering Departments, and three members from Surrey’s diverse development community. Among its key objectives are streamlining rezoning and development processes, incorporating new technologies such as the Automated Rule-Based Zoning Bylaw Compliance Tool, and positioning Surrey as a regional leader in efficient development approvals.
Recent improvements in the city’s development processes, such as enhancements to the permitting portal and pilot programs for building permits, underscore the need for continuous innovation. If approved, the task force is expected to present its Terms of Reference and Work Plan to the Council by the next Regular Council Public Hearing Meeting on October 21, 2024.