Sadly, this is yet another installment on the ongoing saga of the "vegetation control", "tree trimming" and de-facto clear cutting of the Hump hillside between West Beach and East Beach in White Rock. I have learned that once again the City of White Rock has contracted Lee's Trees to remove trees from the Hump hillside that have grown enough to once again block views from Marine Drive condos. Many of these are sucker growth that resulted from the clear-cutting that took place back in 2015 where most of the established forest growing on the Hump was removed. This left an ugly scar along the waterfront visible from the length of the Promenade and the Pier that resulted in a loss of wildlife habitat, a reduction in raptor use and the drought death of the top 10 metres of the famed "Eagle Tree."
Editors Note - The City has never done any replanting on The Hump
Waterfront Eagle Tree before clearcuts
The latest plan is for arborists to enter the slope on Monday morning when City Hall is closed for Easter and remove the regrowth from the wild cherry and big leaf maple trees, allowing for maximum visibility of the ocean while somehow keeping the roots of the stumps alive. I should note here that I measured the large stumps left behind after the 2015 clear-cut with many of these measuring a metre across. The sucker regrowth is keeping the roots alive but they would have shrunken and regressed considerably since there is not the foliage to sustain the root systems that once supplied water and nutrients to trees that were 25 metres tall. Healthy trees with thick healthy roots provide greater slope stability for hillsides above the BNSF train tracks in White Rock and South Surrey. They also help to soften and absorb heavy rainfall from hitting the ground and remove moisture from the slope through transpiration reducing the water content of the soil.
Current photo on city website
What makes this tree work hard to comprehend is that the City of White Rock's website states that the City cannot prune trees on private property. The BNSF Railway owns the Hump hillside and yet the City can somehow keep hacking away on land that they do not own or lease. Apparently this latest round of "vegetation control" is costing the White Rock taxpayers $35,000 for tree work on land that is not owned by the City. Their Tree Protection policy clearly states "It is the priority of the City of White Rock to protect existing trees and increase the number of healthy trees and amount of tree canopy and thus enhance and ensure the sustainability of the City’s urban forest and realization of the environmental and aesthetic benefits it provides." When the Hump was clear-cut in 2025 the City of White Rock posted a sign trying to explain the damage and promising to replant the hill with native species. It asked people to "Be patient with us as we work through this process" but not one tree was ever replanted.
Where the tree cutting on the Hump gets dangerous is the increase in slide threat it creates for the BNSF Railway tracks below. The sidewalk and hand railings along Marine Dr. were replaced 15 years ago because they were leaning downhill from soil creep. The Marine Drive retaining walls were rebuilt several years ago for $1.5 million because of fears it would collapse again like it did in the early 1960s. There are road sensors in Marine Drive monitoring slope movement in several longitudinal cracks in the asphalt. The 2015 clear cutting stopped near east beach when the loggers found two active slide sites that had been hidden from view. Transport Canada has warned WR that the cutting of trees for views on steep bluff slopes here is one of the top three causes for landslides onto the BNSF tracks. There is no landslide detector fence at the bottom of the Hump, unlike along the rest of the bluff, with trains full of crude oil, petroleum products and hazardous goods passing by on a daily basis.
This TNT column is normally posted on Monday but because of the timing for the tree cutting I wrote it early and had it posted on the holiday Friday to alert residents of White Rock and South Surrey. I have contacted the BNSF Railway safety department in Fort Worth, Texas informing them that this tree trimming should be cancelled as it threatens long-term rail safety. A memo has been sent out to many of the environmental groups from around the Semiahmoo Peninsula letting them know about this continued tree cutting on the Hump. For residents of White Rock who are tired of the City saying one thing while doing another, the time is now to draw a line in the sand, stop the Hump tree cutting and ensure this once forested hillside is actually replanted. If you want to help, a protest is being planned for Monday morning at 8 a.m. to disrupt the arborists and bring attention to this environmental protection, community standards and rail safety issue.
Naturally yours,
Don Pitcairn
Recipe of the Week
French Toast Casserole Perfect for Easter Brunch
Ingredients
Unsalted butter , or coconut oil, for the pan
1 loaf challah bread, about 1½ pounds, 1 or 2 days old, cut into 1-inch cubes
5 large eggs
1½ cups milk
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Maple syrup, for serving
For topping
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, or coconut oil, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Grease a 9x13-inch or similar baking dish. Place the bread cubes in the baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread. If making the casserole ahead, cover the baking dish and refrigerate overnight. Otherwise, let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Add the topping: Drizzle the casserole with the butter and sprinkle with the brown sugar and pecans. Cover and bake for 35 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is browned and the egg mixture has mostly set. Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let stand for 10 minutes.
Serve with maple syrup.
Local News
Wednesday April 02, 2026
Did You Get Caught In Any APRIL FOOLS tricks yesterday?
A number of readers dropped us a line enraged that PRESIDENT TRUMP would have the nerve to rename our Peace Arch.
Local part time unpaid historian TOM SAUNDERS took to social media with a post the city of White Rock was replacing our iconic white rock with "The Cube." SAUNDERS felt by imposing my head on someone's body for the ribbon cutting ceremony it would add a level of authenticity.
..and our friends over @ Blue frog had patrons scratching their heads over the proposed name change to YELLOW TOAD?
The White Rock Pier will be lit for the following community initiatives in April
White Rock City Hall and facilities will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6, 2026, for the Easter Long Weekend and will reopen on Tuesday, April 7.
City facilities include:
Engineering and Municipal Operations – 877 Kiel Street
Centennial Park Leisure Centre – 14600 North Bluff Road
Horst & Emmy Werner Centre of Active Living – 1475 Anderson Street
Kent Street Activity Centre – 1475 Kent Street
White Rock Community Centre – 15154 Russell Avenue
Surrey Police Service Expands Operations into Cloverdale
Today (Wednesday, April 1, 2026) , Surrey Police Service (SPS) will assume responsibility for all policing operations in the Cloverdale policing district, marking the next step in the ongoing policing transition from the RCMP to SPS. This district runs from 196th Street to the Fleetwood/Newton border (east to west), and from the Fraser River to 48th Avenue (north to south).
Cloverdale (District 4) will join the three other districts currently served by SPS: Whalley/City Centre (District 1), Newton (District 3), and South Surrey (District 5). At this time, the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit will continue to provide policing service in Guildford (District 2). The attached map shows the policing responsibility for each area of Surrey, as of April 1st.
In mid-February, the Director of Police Services directed SPS to assume full responsibility for all of Cloverdale on April 1st.
Chief Constable Norm Lipinski
“Surrey Police Service looks forward to serving Cloverdale and continue building a strong, visible policing presence across Surrey,” said Chief Constable Norm Lipinski. “These short-term adjustments to officer deployments will allow us to ensure uninterrupted frontline policing as we take on this new responsibility, while we continue to grow our staffing and restore resources across all program areas.”
“Our focus remains on providing reliable, responsive policing for every Surrey neighbourhood,” Chief Lipinski added. “We are committed to serving Cloverdale with professionalism, care, and a strong connection to the community as we move forward together.”
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have had a long history with the city of Cloverdale.
The first detachment was opened in the original Surrey City Hall located in Cloverdale back in 1951.
Thank you for 75 years of service.
Dog - gone It
The City of White Rock reminds residents that seasonal restrictions for dogs on the Promenade come into effect on April 1.
Leashed dogs are only permitted on the promenade from the hours of 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. daily. These restrictions remain in place until September 30.
Dogs in White Rock
Dogs are not allowed on the White Rock Pier at any time.
Owners walking their dogs must pick up after them and dispose of the feces in garbage cans.
If you have general questions concerning dogs in White Rock, email dogs@whiterockcity.ca or contact the Bylaw department at 604-541-2146.
Tuesday March 31, 2026
White Rock Council Rewind
- Council evening began with a visit from representatives of the White Rock Pickleball Association. The group requested the city engage a Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study pertaining to a covered outdoor pickleball facility. Council endorsed staff to come back with a report on the cost, the pickleball association committed $10.000.00 to the study.
- Budget 2026 Final Overview
Council received a final overview of the proposed 2026 operating budget and associated property tax impacts and directed staff to prepare the 2026 – 2030 Financial Plan Bylaw for consideration at the next Regular Council meeting, reflecting an average property tax increase of 5.04% for 2026.
- A special Events Traffic Plan which will cover fireworks nights was approved b y council. The additional safety measures will put the price tag for fireworks evenings @ $40,000.00 per event
- Developers in the future will be requested to undergo rodent mitigation when destroying a building.
- The review of the Official Community Plan was deferred to the next regular council meeting April 13
Built in 1917 along the international rail line, the Blaine Depot in Blaine served as an important passenger and customs stop just south of the Canadian border. Operated by the Great Northern Railway, the depot handled travelers, mail, and freight moving between the United States and Canada during the early 20th century.
Current photo of abandoned train station
Though rail traffic declined in later decades, the depot remains a reminder of Blaine’s role as a key cross-border gateway during the height of regional rail travel. A passenger train, by the name of “International”, operated by the Great Northern Railway connected Blaine with the King Street Station in Seattle and the Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, Canada between 1950. When “International” was discontinued in September 1981, the Blaine Station was also eliminated.
March 30, 2026
Surrey Police Service Investigating Ocean Park Home Invasion
Surrey Police Service (SPS) is investigating a home invasion that resulted in injuries to a 65-year-old woman.
Friday morning at approximately 11:15 am, SPS officers responded to a residence in the 14400 block of 32B Avenue where it was reported that armed individuals had attended and departed. Inside the residence, a 65-year-old female was located suffering from a serious injury consistent with being struck by an object. She has been transported to hospital to receive treatment.
SPS Major Crime Section investigators are now assisting with the investigation.
This incident is in the early stages of investigation, and the motives of the suspects are not known.
Anyone with information should contact SPS’s non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 26-28314 (SP) or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Semi Trucks On 16th Avenue - How Safe Are They?
This past week Abbotsford police department Traffic Enforcement Unit partnered with Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) and the Passenger Transportation Branch to conduct commercial vehicle safety checks in Abbotsford.
As a result of the enforcement initiative, the following occurred:
9 vehicle inspections conducted / 44 violations identified / 5 vehicles removed from service / 1 vehicle towed
12 violation tickets issued / 9 Notices and Orders issued 30 violation tickets issued by Traffic Enforcement Unit members (including speeding, insecure cargo, no driver’s licence, among others)
March 29, 2026
No Kings In Blaine
NO KINGS DAY protests took place all across the United states yesterday. Our closest neighbours right across the border in Blaine WA were out in force in downtown to join the ever growing movement in America.
Millions of Americans around the America yesterday took to the streets nonviolently to make it clear: Extolling their country belongs to the people. They do not answer to strongmen, greedy billionaires, or anyone wishing to rule through fear and violence. They have the power and are claiming it together.
Bruce Springsteen gave a performance of his protest song “Streets of Minneapolis” on Saturday at the No Kings protest in St. Paul, Minnesota, honoring the locals and commending them for their “hope” and “courage” amid ICE’s clashes with demonstrators earlier this year.
Following an introduction from Gov. Tim Walz, who called President Donald Trump a “wannabe dictator,” Springsteen took the stage at the Minnesota State Capitol to address the crowd. “This past winter, federal troops brought death and terror to the streets of Minneapolis,” he said. “Well, they picked the wrong city. The power and the solidarity of the people of Minneapolis and Minnesota was an inspiration to the entire country.”
No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.
Don't Take Your Guns To Town Son
During a recent routine fare check at the Whalley GATEWAY Skytrain Station transit police discovered a loaded handgun with ammunition. The individual subjected to the random search also had outstanding arrest warrants when apprehended. He is now in custody where he will remain until he appears in court.
The particular SKYTRAIN along with the Whalley stop both have been of grave concern to authorities as well as individuals using rapid transit from Whalley heading west.
For years these particular stops have resembled a drug bazaar in a third world country.
Water runs downhill. A given fact. A large portion of our fair city of White Rock is located on a steep incline leading down to the ocean. That topography affords home owners a spectacular view. In the past couple of years a building lot on the hillside was cresting close to one million dollars. Before the first 2x4 was nailed into place.
Over the year having witnessed "monster homes" arrive in our community I reviewed our building codes and discovered a home could only cover 60% of a building lot. Yet when i looked at new constructs it appeared the home covered 90% of the lot coverage.
A trip to the planning department cleared up the confusion. Only a portion of the actual footprint of the house itself was counted in the square foot coverage of the entire lot? Some might say sneaky.
With that in mind a couple of years back with the previous council I put forward a motion that operating on that principle how about if we made the actual 40% permeable soil? The motion passed and of course because a number of building permits were issued under the old guidelines it seem monster houses continued to sprout like weeds.
*Note - Permeable describes materials or surfaces that allow liquids or gases to pass through or soak into them, often due to being porous or having small openings. It is commonly used in environmental contexts for drainage and in science for describing membranes, with key synonyms including porous, penetrable, absorbent, and pervious.
White Rock Official Building Permit Guidelines
6.1.7 Landscape Requirements:
1) The maximum impermeable surface area on the parcel of land is 70%;
2) The minimum permeable surface area on the parcel of land is 30%, of which 50% at
minimum will contain live plant material;
3) 50% of the required front yard will be landscaped with live plant material including a
1.2m (3.94ft) permeable landscape strip containing live plant material on either side of
the driveway; and
4) The owner of the property is responsible for the placement and proper maintenance of
landscaping.
Which brings me to this home recently constructed on the corner of Foster street and Victoria Avenue. The home was the first construction that the city decided to claw back city property that all of the houses along the North side of VIctoria avenue have been encroaching on ever since the giant cement wall was constructed back in the 60's.
When I look at the house from the back and front I cannot see ANY permeable soil. The area outside of the home's metal fence along the property is city land. So that cannot be factored into permeable soil on the actual piece of property owned by the resident. The brown soil area is city property.
When I submitted a question to our planning department I was informed the building permit was applied for in 2023 fully a year before the new guidelines came in. Stay tuned next week we find examples of how the new permeable soil guidelines have been met.
Waterfront Eagle Tree before clearcuts
Current photo on city website
April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day 
April 5 – Easter 
April 6 – International Asexuality Day 
April 7 – Green Shirt Day 
April 15 – White Rock’s Birthday 
April 19-21 & 23-25 – National Volunteer Week 
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Chief Constable Norm Lipinski
Photo courtesy Surrey Museum
Saturday, April 4, 2026
2 Showtimes: 7:00pm + 9:15pm | Doors: 6:00pm + 8:45pm
Oceana PARC Playhouse
Tickets: www.whiterockplayers.ca/yukyuks2026
, good drinks , and great company
????: 5:00 PM — Dinner & Drinks
