Child and Youth Friendly Surrey

• Population has doubled in 20 years

• ½ million people

• 70% of future growth will be in our region

Surrey is a rapidly growing city.

Surrey is a young city.

• 1/3 of the population is under 19

• BC’s largest school district and growing

• 15 babies born a day at Surrey Memorial Hospital

Surrey is a diverse, socially complex city.

• 50% of school children speak a language other than English

• Highest pop. of urban Aboriginal youth in the region

• Majority of BC government assisted refugees settle in Surrey - half of these refugees are under 18

Our children are our future.

Comprehensive Public Policy

Child and Youth Friendly Strategy

Vision: A community where children and youth are valued community members and actively contribute their time, ideas and perspective to civic life.

Strategy and Engagement

Three Subject Areas:

1. Engagement2. Physical Environment3. Civic Services

Three Age Groups:

1. Early Years (0-5 yrs)2. Middle Years (6-12 yrs)3. Youth 13+

• Cultivating youth leaders

• Meaningful engagement

• Welcoming spaces

• Partnerships

Engagement & Inclusion

Kensington Prairie Community Centre

• Collaborated with nine partners to create Centre

• Integrated service delivery model

• Early childhood development programming & resources• child care, education & health

1900s Today

Kensington Prairie: Results• Increased program awareness & participation

• Expanded programming

• Enhanced networking between agencies

• More efficient use of resources

Civic Services: Building Citizens• All-ages programming

• Affordable services

• Child care

• Building social connections

• Community partnerships

Questions?