The City of Surrey launched its open data program as part of its commitment to an open, transparent and accessible government. The new Open Data Catalogue comprises more data sets than any other municipality in Canada, and will increase efficiency and productivity for staff and public by making the data available to everyone on the City website.

More than 300 data sets comprise the catalogue, including City information often requested by the public such as:

• Crime statistics
• Restaurant inspection reports
• Statement of Financial Information
• Sustainability indicators

“The City of Surrey is committed to pursuing innovative best practices to allow for transparency and efficiencies through technology,” said Mayor Dianne Watts. “As a progressive City, the launch of the Surrey Open Data Program will empower our citizens by providing them with even easier access to City reports, statistics and information.”

Open data is the idea that certain data should be freely available to everyone to use and republish as they wish, without restrictions from copyright, patents or other mechanisms of control.

“Providing open data improves the public’s ability to easily access, download and utilize City information,” said Councillor Bruce Hayne, Chair of the Investment & Innovation Committee. “It also provides the additional benefit of eliminating the costs associated with related information requests.”

The City’s Open Data Program is a component of its ‘Smart Surrey Strategy’ which seeks to build a city that uses technology and innovation to transform life and work within its region in significant and fundamental ways. Using new and existing technologies and information, the Strategy identifies and implements systems to inform decision-making, create efficiencies and maximize its resources.

For more information, or to access the City’s Open Data Catalogue, visit www.surrey.ca/opendata