Empowering Communities: South Surrey’s Digital Democracy in Action
In an era where trust in government institutions is often questioned, the South Surrey – White Rock online citizen engagement process stands as a shining example of how technology and collaboration can revitalize democracy. Led by Member of Parliament Gordie Hogg and powered by Ethelo’s innovative platform, this project was designed to bridge the gap between elected officials and the communities they serve. By inviting residents to actively participate in shaping policy solutions for critical local issues—such as affordable housing, railway safety, and the opioid crisis—the initiative demonstrated that meaningful public engagement is not only possible but essential for building a more inclusive and responsive democracy. This process wasn’t just about gathering opinions; it was about empowering citizens to take ownership of the decisions that directly impact their lives.
The benefits of this project extended far beyond the identification of policy priorities. By engaging over 300 residents in thoughtful discussions and decision-making, the initiative fostered a sense of democratic empowerment that is often missing in traditional top-down approaches. Participants weren’t just passive observers—they were active contributors, voting on policies, sharing insights, and seeing their voices reflected in real-time results. This level of transparency and participation not only strengthened the community’s trust in the political process but also provided Gordie Hogg with a clear mandate to advocate for these priorities in the Parliament of Canada. Armed with the collective wisdom of his constituents, Hogg was able to bring a truly grassroots perspective to federal policymaking, ensuring that the voices of South Surrey – White Rock were heard at the highest levels of government.
Ultimately, this project showcased the transformative power of citizen engagement in modern democracy. It proved that when people are given the tools and opportunity to participate, they can drive meaningful change in their communities. By combining expert knowledge with public input, the process delivered actionable solutions that reflected both technical feasibility and community values. More importantly, it reminded us that democracy thrives when citizens are not just consulted but actively involved in the decision-making process. Gordie Hogg’s use of the results to guide his parliamentary activities is a testament to the success of this approach—a success that serves as an inspiring model for other leaders seeking to deepen democratic participation and build stronger, more connected communities.
96% support
for final shortlist
300
participants
MP, South Surrey White Rock
In early 2019, Gordie Hogg, Member of Parliament for South Surrey – White Rock (SSWR), partnered with Ethelo, an online engagement platform, to facilitate a citizen-driven policy consultation process. The goal was to engage residents in identifying and prioritizing policy solutions for five key local issues: Affordable Housing, Boundary Bay, Gun Safety and Gang Violence, Opioid Crisis, and Railway Safety. This case study outlines the process, outcomes, and lessons learned from this innovative approach to citizen engagement.
The Process
Outcomes
Lessons Learned
Conclusion
The South Surrey – White Rock online citizen engagement process, led by Gordie Hogg and supported by Ethelo, successfully demonstrated how technology can be used to facilitate meaningful public participation in policy development. By combining expert knowledge with community input, the process not only identified actionable policy solutions but also strengthened the relationship between residents and their elected representatives. This case study serves as a model for other communities looking to engage citizens in decision-making processes in a transparent, inclusive, and effective manner.
I wanted to make it as apolitical as we could. How do we take care of each other? How do we look after each other? How do we look at people not for the defects we have, but the gifts we all bring?