CUPE BC’s successful City Watch program welcomed another B.C. community as a partner today, with the City of Surrey joining the initiative.
The Surrey City Watch program was launched today at Surrey City Hall at an event featuring Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts, CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Mark Hancock and CUPE Local 402 president Laurie Larsen.
Larsen said she was proud that Surrey civic workers showed the initiative to get involved with the City to make the community safer for all.
“I know I speak for all our members when I say how proud we are to have our employer join with us in this program,” said Larsen. “Surrey civic workers are also Surrey residents and taxpayers, so we have a stake in making our community safer for everyone. Surrey is now the biggest member of CUPE’s City Watch program, and I know we’re going to be as successful as all the other City Watch communities across B.C.”
“Our employees are in a unique position to provide this valuable community service because they are working outside in neighbourhoods across the city when most people are away from their homes. City Watch allows them to keep a watchful eye while doing their regular tasks,” said Watts. “I want to thank all the employees who have volunteered to be a part of this program. I’m proud of their commitment to our community and their efforts will make Surrey an even better place to live and work.”
Hancock noted that Surrey is the 27th B.C. community to partner with CUPE members and local police and fire departments to improve safety. He said five more City Watch partnerships are close to being finalized. He congratulated Larsen and Watts for making Surrey the latest—and largest—community to participate.