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June 9, 2026, 7:41 pm |
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Where You Can Vacation And Be Home The Same Day
TNT The Naked Truth
Don Pitcairn
Tuesday June 09, 2026
Noooorm!
The recent resignation of Surrey Police Service's Chief Constable Norm Lipinski reportedly under the threat of being fired without due cause by the Surrey Police Board should raise eyebrows and the temperature of all Surrey residents, except for the criminals who prey on us. Seemingly out of the blue, the Board decided behind closed doors to pull the plug on Lipinski's five year reign as Chief of Police that began with the transition from the RCMP to the new fledgling Surrey Police Service (SPS). This came only eight months after Lipinski was given a new three year contract that contained provisions for a two-year extension. He has now been replaced on an interim basis by Chief Constable Todd Matsumoto who was hired as Deputy Chief of the SPS in Feb. 2021. You can learn more about him at this link: https://www.surreypoliceboard.ca/about-us/meet-interim-chief
I should note here that the latest incarnation of the Surrey Police Board was established in March of 2026 with members selected by the Provincial NDP with some input from the City of Surrey. What really makes this sudden firing unbelieveable is that it was done without the knowledge or presence of the Board Chair Harley Chappell who resigned shortly after he heard the news from the media. It looks like he may not have been the only one not aware of this power play as Surrey Police Board founding member James Carwana also followed suit and announced his resignation as well. Amazingly there has been no explanation for why Lipinski was pushed out, with all of the members of the remaining Surrey Police Board refusing to comment or not returning calls from journalists wanting to know what happened. Considering the ramifications to the fledgling SPS force who are fighting a losing battle against rising crime, shootings and extortions in Surrey while trying to attract new members, I wonder if what is left of the Board should be fired as well.
Meanwhile, with a civic election looming in only four months, mayoral hopefuls have been spreading falsehoods and fear with media releases and across social media targeting Mayor Locke with being behind this coup d'etat. Doug McCallum's Safe Surrey Coalition release was titled "Brenda Locke could not stop the SPS transition in court, so she staged a coup and fired the Chief", blaming her for the Surrey Police Board's underhanded behaviour. Linda Annis from Surrey First stated "Chief Lipinski’s termination by the mayor’s recent handpicked police board is another tragic example of how her political interference and personal vendetta against our local police department is making our city unsafe.” Mike Starchuk from Imagine Surrey voiced “Mayor Brenda Locke has once again destabilized the Surrey Police Service transition, this time by enabling her newly constituted Surrey Police Board to fire Chief Norm Lipinski." Meanwhile, Locke had this to say, "The board is appointed by the Province, they have to do the work that they have to do. They made the decision they made, it’s not something that I’m involved in." Last but not least, B.C. Premier David Eby said he told Locke months ago, "The province of B.C. has been too involved in policing in Surrey for too long. It's time for the local community to take responsibility for their own police force."
The Surrey Police Board needs to be open and accountable for their decision to dump Chief Lipinski, the reasons behind it and why the Board Chair was left in the dark about their plans. As if their conduct in axing the Chief of the SPS was not bad enough, their collective silence after this disturbing and sordid affair only brings more questions about their qualifications to do the job. Instead of hiding, not picking up the phone, or ignoring emails, it's time they start answering questions about how and why this happened, especially with Surrey still finding itself in the continuing transition from the RCMP. Considering the accusations placed on Mayor Brenda Locke, if she had nothing to do with the Police Chief's termination, then the Board needs to make this publicly known to protect the validity of the upcoming civic election. While the effect of Norm's termination on the Surrey Police Service officers and staff will be hard to gauge, how much will this debacle cost Surrey taxpayers with Lipinski's contract at $285,000 a year for three years?
Since it appears he was terminated without cause after coming home from a holiday, it is likely that this decision will be in excess of $500,000 to make Chief Lipinski go away.
Naturally Yours,
Don Pitcairn
Local News
June 09, 2026
White Rock Council Rewind
Question & Answer Period:
Drew a large contingency from The Kent Street Community Centre who were on hand to extol the virtues and question the future of their city owned facility
Delegations:
CLIVE GRIFFITHS of the Kent Street Activity expansion Committee spoke to council about long term plans for Kent Street.
KLASSEN MOK was in attendance to updat3e council on the progress of the King George Boulevard RAPID BUS. MOK explained part of the plan will be to move buses off of parking on 16th avenue in front of Semiahmoo Mall. There is no concrete time line, design of finances in place currently.
Council approved $50,000.00 in funding for a Feasibility Study to be completed on the Kent Street Activity Centre.
Centennial Arena Advertising possibilities was sent back to staff to engage the White Rock Whalers hockey team for input on any future desires they may have for in arena advertising.
Council approved request from the BIA to host their annual CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL again in September in Memorial Park
Council endorsed recommendations regarding the execution of the upcoming civic election on October 17, 2026
Discussion on council's ability to limit and or restrict certain business types. Council was informed this would take major work by staff and would not be back with a report until the next council after October.
Council directed staff to significantly strengthen the City's Unsightly Premise Bylaw to enable the city to deal more strictly with violators of commercial property. The motion passed 5-2 with Councillors LAWRENCE and CHEUNG voting in opposition.
Council requested Mayor KNIGHT to contact TRANSLINK to inquire regarding later community shuttle service from the waterfront to uptown. Enabling waterfront restaurant staff easier access to travel uptown to major bus routes and free parking.
Request for Development Variance Permit for 14204 and 14206 North Bluff Road. The builder overbuilt a portion of the residence 7 inches too high. Councillors MANNING/CHESNEY & BAIN voted in support of the variance. The request was defeated 4-3.
Council unanimously endorsed removing the two scheduled October council meetings due to the upcoming civic election in October.
The City of White Rock is inviting residents to help shape the future of walking, cycling, and rolling in the community by providing input to the Active Transportation Plan (ATP). The ATP evaluates active transportation projects that make our roads safer to travel for everyone who walks, rolls and cycles in our community.
Projects have been identified through the City’s Integrated Transportation and Infrastructure Master Plan (ITIMP) and have been evaluated using a consistent set of criteria, including safety, network connections, use, and more.
Visit www.talkwhiterock.ca/atp and view the top active transportation projects and share your feedback using the guest-book or ask questions by Friday, June 19, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
The City is partnering with HUB for an Open House on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Miramar Plaza or the White Rock Community Centre (weather dependent).
HUB Cycling will be offering bike inspections and minor servicing, along with information about their programs. HUB Cycling is a BC-based non-profit dedicated to making cycling more accessible through education, events, advocacy, and community-based volunteer committees, including the Surrey & White Rock committee. Learn more about HUB Cycling at www.hubcycling.ca
The WRPA is hosting a summer fundraising tournament for a tremendous local charity, Children’s Cancer Family Support Society (CCFSS).
All divisions will have Mixed, Men’s and Women’s sections.
DATES
Friday, June 12th Registration at 4:30 play at 5:00, 65+ Mixed
Saturday, June 13th Registration at 8:30 play at 9, 65+ Men, Women, Open Mixed
Sunday June 14th Registration at 8:30, play at 9:00, Open Men & Women
Please note - All players must have PCO memberships!
Tournament entry is by donation, per event, proceeds to CCFSS, please give generously!
Donations from non-players are encouraged and welcomed as well, and of course any prizes/donation towards gift baskets and draws are greatly appreciated!
Contact whiterockpickleball@gmail.com if you are interested in donating.
Or emailing whiterockpickleball@gmail.com, please include:
• Your Name/Your Partners Name
• Mobile Numbers & Email for Both
• PCO Numbers for Both
• Emergency Contacts
Please contact Peter Hucul – pjhuckster@gmail.com for any questions.
Warm up at any one of the many public free pickleball quarts in South Surrey/White Rock
June 8, 2026
A reminder to White Rock residents that property taxes are due Thursday, July 2, 2026. All notices have been delivered by mail, and if you have not received your notice, please contact the Financial Services Department at White Rock City Hall at 604-541-2280. All property owners, even new owners, are responsible for payment of property taxes by the deadline to avoid penalties, regardless of whether a tax notice is received.
Payments Options
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Pay online or in person through your financial institution. Most financial institutions will take payments for property taxes. Ensure that your payment is dated on or before the due date to avoid a penalty. See your Property Tax Notice for instructions.
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Use the secure Drop Box to the left of the main doors at City Hall
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Pay by credit card online at whiterockcity.ca/online or at City Hall. Note, a 2% fee applies to credit card payments.
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In person at City Hall, 15322 Buena Vista Avenue, White Rock, V4B 1Y6, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Mail a cheque. Ensure your folio number is listed on the front of the cheque and payments must be received by the due date. Mail lost or delayed by Canada Post will be subject to penalty.
Home Owner Grant
Eligible property owners must apply for the home owner grant every year to receive the tax reduction. Apply online at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant or call 1-888-355-2700.
Tax Deferment Program
The Province offers a property tax deferment program for eligible residential homeowners. Learn more at gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment.
For more information and answers to your questions, visit whiterockcity.ca/taxes
June 04, 2026
White Rock RCMP is investigating following a suspicious item located along Marine Drive
On June 3, 2026, at approximately 11:33 a.m., White Rock RCMP responded to a report of a suspicious item believed to be a possible improvised explosive device (IED) near the intersection of Marine Drive and Centre Street.
Due to the nature of the report, officers immediately secured the area and established a safety perimeter to ensure public safety. Marine Drive was temporarily closed between Fir Street and Cypress Street.
The RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) attended the scene, assessed the item, and rendered it safe. The item was subsequently removed from the area and has been confirmed not to contain any explosive material.
The investigation into the origin of the item remains ongoing.
Anyone who was in the area and observed anything suspicious is asked to contact White Rock RCMP 778-545-4800.
Ousted Surrey Police Chief Breaks Silence
Fired Surrey Police Chief NORM LIMPINSKI yesterday submitted a letter to the his fellow members of the surrey Police Services. In his letter LIPINSKI told the force he was fired without cause on the first day back from his vacation time.
Lipinski went on to tell the force he leaves with “immense pride” in what the SPS accomplished together in extraordinarily challenging circumstances.
“Building a new police service from the ground up and reaching ‘Police of Jurisdiction’ status is, without question, the proudest achievement of my 48 years in policing. That milestone was only possible because of the professionalism, dedication, and resilience demonstrated by every member of this organization,” he said.
He continues to talk about how much he will reflect on the people he worked with at SPS and over his career. He doesn’t focus on numbers, projects, or the achievements – but the people.
“Those are the memories that will stay with me.”
He finished his letter by stating it had been an “honour to serve alongside” the other members of the SPS.
“It has truly been the privilege of a lifetime.”
June 03, 2026
Surrey Police Board (SPB), Harley Chappell Follows Chief Lipinski Out The Door
Semiahmoo First Nations leader and head of Surrey Police Board HARLEY CHAPPELL has resigned as a result of the ousting of SPS chief NORM LIPINSKI.
Chappell explains that the board decided to ask Lipinski to resign or face involuntary termination during a meeting on May 29, which he did not attend.
He says that nobody in attendance had reached out to him afterwards to inform him about the motion.
Chappell says he did not find out what took place during Friday’s meeting until Monday.
“I will choose to step aside and allow them to tidy up this mess." Chappell’s resignation is effective immediately.
,
June 02, 2026
Surrey Police Services Chief Norm Lipinski Out
The Surrey Police Board has announced that Chief Constable Norm Lipinski has left Surrey Police Service (SPS), and Deputy Chief Constable Todd Matsumoto has been appointed Interim Chief Constable.
We want to assure our partners and all community members that we remain focused on protecting public safety and providing uninterrupted service delivery to the community. We are confident in the leadership team of SPS, and in the continued professionalism of all SPS personnel.
The Board will shortly initiate a recruitment process for a new permanent Chief Constable and will share further information regarding that process in the coming weeks.
We appreciate the ongoing support and collaboration of all partners and community members. Your support is invaluable towards helping make SPS make the most modern, trusted, and responsive police service in the country.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Executive Director Jason Kuzminski at jason.kuzminski@surreypoliceboard.ca.
Signed,
Hanne Madsen
Leadership Transition Committee (on behalf of the Surrey Police Board)
Statement from the Mayor: Police chief transition
I want to thank Chief Lipinski for his service to the City and the Surrey Police Service over the last five years. As mayor, my focus remains public safety, and I look forward to working with Interim Chief Todd Matsumoto during this transition period.
I am confident that the Surrey Police Board has a plan in place that will continue to prioritize keeping our neighbourhoods safe, while supporting the SPS to become a Canadian leader in trusted, modern, and responsive policing.
Mayor Brenda Locke / City of Surrey
Thought For The Day
15306 24th Ave, Surrey / Public Event
SAS NEW TO YOU CLOTHING SALE
Shop with Purpose!
*All money raised will go to local initiatives. Remember to bring your own bag!
Date & Time: June 13, 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: 15306 24 Ave, Surrey
Entry: Free
Onsite Parking Available
Pricing: $3 per item, Payment Methods: Cash, Debit, Credit
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June marks the 20th anniversary of the WHITE ROCK SUN publishing daily.
Thank you for reading and writing
Your Home - Your News
Tomorrow in THE SUN
Night Owl
A full listing of live music entertainment on or around The Semiahmoo Peninsula this coming week.
We kick the week off with NEIL HARNETT @ Brown's
White Rock/Crescent Beach Daily Tide Chart
Waterfront West Beach Live Camera
Check the weather @ the beach 24/7
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